Pattern of Recurrence in Early Breast Cancer at a Tertiary Center in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: There is limited data on the recurrence rates and factors that contribute to recurrence in women managed for early breast  cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. This study conducted at a tertiary level facility aims to determine the recurrence rates in patients treated for early invasive breast cancer. Methods: This is a single institution retrospective cohort study of women (18–75 years) treated for early  breast cancer from 2009 to 2017. Demographic data, tumor, and treatment-related factors were summarized using descriptive statistics.  Survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression were performed, with computation of hazard ratios and their 95% confidence  intervals. Results: A total of 239 patients with an initial diagnosis of early breast cancer were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 51  years (SD 13). The most prevalent molecular subtype was estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)+ at 76% with only 2.9%  having human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpressing breast cancer. The overall recurrence was 7.1% with a 1.6% case mortality. The overall 5-year and 10-year survival rate was 94% and 91%, respectively. Conclusion: Early breast cancer in our setting has a  good overall survival and low recurrence rates that are comparable to that found in Western countries.