BREAST CANCER CO-MORBIDITY AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV INFECTION IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Introduction: Breast cancer is witnessing increasing detection in Nigeria following more awareness and access to medical care. It is predominantly observed in the same group (women of reproductive age) with the highest prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection. This study focused on breast cancer and HIV infection co-morbidity with regards to cytopenia during a follow-up period. Methods: This follow-up study enrolled 50 persons living with HIV (PLWH) and accessing care at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital at Calabar, Southern Nigeria. Breast cancer co-morbidity and other clinical information were retrieved from patients’ folders. Blood sample was appropriately obtained from each subject at intervals of six months starting from the time of diagnosis and analysed by automation for blood cell and CD4 counts. Frequencies, student T-test was used for analysis of data. Statistical significance was drawn at a p≤ 0.05. Results: Mean values of haemoglobin concentration, CD4 count and platelet count were significantly lower among PLWH compared to control subjects. The prevalence of HIV infection and breast cancer co-morbidity was observed to be 6%. There was reduction in the prevalence of cytopenia as duration of therapy progressed. Anaemia and immunosuppression were not completely addressed after one year of therapy. Conclusion: The study observed 6% of breast cancer co-morbidity in HIV infection among women of reproductive age. Unresolved cytopenia remains a challenge in HIV infection, particularly with breast cancer co-morbidity, even after a year of adhering to antiretroviral therapy.