Clinicopathological profile of female Sudanese patients with locally advanced breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
In Sudan, breast cancer is one of the most common malignancy affecting women and the incidence rates appear to be rising. Unfortunately, most of the patients presented in advanced stage.


OBJECTIVE
To obtain information on demographic characteristics, clinicopathological profile and factors related to late presentation.


METHODS
Descriptive study. 144 patients who presented from April 2009 through May 2011 with locally advanced breast cancer were included in this study.


RESULTS
144 patients ranging in age from 25-71 years (mean 47 years) were included in the study. Of these 62.5% were premenopausal women. More than 60% of the patients presented after > 1 year following onset of symptoms. 68% of patients attributed their late presentation for lack of education and financial aspects.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows that locally advanced breast cancer patients presented at a younger age. Lack of education, financial issues and dependency on traditional medicine are encountered for this late presentation. We suggest that the attitude of Sudanese females towards breast cancer has to change through continuous but targeted public education.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan. Tel.: +249 912802545; E-mail: awadali82@hotmail.com.
Awad Ali Mohamed
AA
Ahmed
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone
Clinicopathological profile; Locally advanced breast cancer; late presentation