Breast cancer patients' presentation for oncological treatment: a single centre study

• Published in: The Pan African medical journal Vol. 24; no. 63; p. 63
• Main Authors: Akinkuolie, Akinbolaji Andrew, Etonyeaku, Amarachukwu Chiduziem, Olasehinde, Olalekan, Arowolo, Olukayode Adeolu, Babalola, Rereloluwa Nicodemus
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Uganda African Field Epidemiology Network 2016; The African Field Epidemiology Network; The Pan African Medical Journal
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Choice Behavior; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Nigeria; oncological treatment; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - statistics & numerical data; Prospective Studies; Time Factors; presentation; oncological treatment; Breast cancer
• ISSN: 1937-8688; 1937-8688
• DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2016.24.63.8432

Breast cancer patients are presenting at advanced stages for oncological treatment in Nigeria and World Health Organization predicted developing countries' breast cancer incidence and mortality to increase by year 2020.
Prospective observational hospital based study that enrolled breast cancer patients from catchment area of an oncology service hospital in Nigeria between 2007 and 2013. Patients' demographics, breast cancer burden and health care giver presentation variables were analysed for causal factors of seeking medical help and what determines commencement of effective oncological treatment.
Forty-six patients were enrolled, 19.6% of them presented primarily to oncologist while 80.4% presented secondarily for oncological treatment. There is a significant difference in presentation time for oncological treatment (t = -3.56, df = 42.90, p = 0.001) between primary (M =11.56 ± 5.21 weeks) and secondary presentation (M= 52.56 ± 10.27weeks). Tumor burden of those that presented secondarily were significantly more advanced (U = 78.5, p = 0.011) and, univariate analysis reveals that: patients' matrimonial setting, breast cancer awareness and mode of discovery of breast symptoms are patient related factors that determines their choice of health care providers and, determinant of effective oncological treatment is patient first contact health care provider.
Patients' bio-characteristics that determine their choice of health care provider should be incorporated into community breast cancer sensitization drives. Additionally, there is a need for a government agency assign the task of accrediting and defining scope of enterprise of health care institutions and their health care providers in our pluralist health system.