Breast cancer treated in the gynaecological oncology unit at Sylvanus Olympio University Teaching Hospital from 2019 to 2023

Abstract

Introduction: In Togo, breast cancer is still often diagnosed at a late stage (75%). The overall objective is to study the management of breast cancer in the Gynecological Oncology Unit of the CHU SO from 2019 to 2023.

Materials and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, involving 282 patients treated for breast cancer in the Gynecological Oncology Unit of the CHU SO. The variables studied were compared using Chi square or Fisher's exact tests with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

Results: The hospital prevalence was 36.2%. The average age of the patients was 54.4 ± 12.9 years, with extremes of 30 and 87 years. In 30.9% of cases, the patients had never breastfed, and 28.7% had a family history of breast cancer. The average time between diagnosis and consultation was 6.1 months ± 2.1 months, and BIRADS 5 echomammography findings were found in 53.2% of cases. All patients received symptomatic treatment and psychotherapy, 42.5% received chemotherapy, and 12.4% underwent mastectomy. There is a significant link between the treatment received and clinical progression.

Conclusion: Patients consulted at an advanced stage of the disease. Chemotherapy, mastectomy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy were performed. There was a statistically significant link between the treatment received and clinical progression.