[Comparative Profiles Of Breast Cancers According To Tumor Type At The Gabriel Touré University Hospital, Bamako - Mali, Between 2018 And 2022].

Abstract

Background: Few studies have been conducted on breast cancer despite its high burden in our context. Therefore, this study aimed to: (1) specify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of breast cancer; and (2) determine the factors associated with breast cancer survival at Gabriel Touré University Hospital (CHU).

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at CHU Gabriel Touré between January 1^st2018 and 31^st, December 2022. Histologically confirmed cases of breast cancer were included and divided into three anatomoclinical groups (non-T4 tumor [NT4], locally advanced cancer [LAC] and inflammatory breast cancer [IBC]). We used Pearson's Chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests to compare proportions. The frequency distributions using density plots were constructed for the three breast types. They were compared using the Kruskal Wallis statistic. Kaplan-Meier curves were estimated for the survival analysis and Cox regression was used to identify factors associated with breast cancer survival. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed.

Results: A total of 255 cases of breast cancer were included in this study. The mean age was 46.9 years old. Whatever the anatomoclinical type, the density plot curve peaked before the age 40. NT4 and LAC were more frequently observed on the right breast, while IBC occurred on the left breast (p < 0.001). Comorbidity rates were comparable between the three groups. The median survival time was 9 months, and the overall 5-year survival rate was < 40%. Infertility history and IBC had a significant influence on survival, with AHRs of 1,63 [1,01 - 2,63] and 1,52 [1,04 - 2,22] respectively.

Conclusion: Breast cancer at Gabriel Touré University Hospital is characterized by an early onset and a poor prognosis, suggesting that particular emphasis should be placed on early diagnosis and the quality of management.