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Research Article
Epidemiological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Profile of Long-term Breast Cancer Survivors in Cameroon: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Berthe Sabine Esson Mapoko*
,
Esther Dina Bell,
Veronique Batoum Mboua,
Kenn Chi Ndi,
Etienne Atenguena,
Dominique Anaba,
Lionel Tabola,
Pelagie Douanla,
Anne Sango,
Ruth Mapenya,
Anne Marthe Maison,
Sidonie Ananga,
Ambroise Ntama,
Zacharie Sando,
Paul Ndom
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
127-134
Received:
9 October 2025
Accepted:
28 October 2025
Published:
3 December 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to late diagnosis and low survival. Studying "long-term survivors" is essential to identifying resilience factors and successful strategies. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of long-term breast cancer survivors at the Yaounde General Hospital (YGH) in Cameroon and and identify factors associated with prolonged survival. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study (2008–2018), we analyzed 204 patient records. Long-term survivors were defined as the 68 patients (33.3% of the cohort) who survived for at least three years after their diagnosis. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to detail their profile. Prognostic factors were identified using a Cox regression model. Results: The cohort was predominantly female (98.5%), with a median overall survival of 73.92 months (6.16 years). Patients were typically diagnosed at earlier stages (IIA, IIB, IIIA), and signs of locally advanced disease were rare. Key prognostic factors included (OR = 8.3, p<0.001), radiotherapy (OR = 2.7, p=0.001), and hormone therapy (OR = 2.9, p=0.001), and achieving a complete clinical response to initial treatment (OR = 4.5, p<0.001). The paradoxical association between relapse occurrence (OR = 2.8, p=0.001), and prolonged survival highlights the role of rigorous follow-up. Conclusion: Long-term survivors are characterized by less aggressive initial presentation and access to complete, multimodal treatment. Prioritizing early diagnosis and continuous oncological follow-up is key to improving regional prognosis.
Abstract: Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to late diagnosis and low survival. Studying "long-term survivors" is essential to identifying resilience factors and successful strategies. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of long-term breas...
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Research Article
Enhancing Early Detection of Breast Cancer Through Community-Based Screening and Awareness in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
135-143
Received:
3 November 2025
Accepted:
12 November 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women globally, with disproportionate impacts in low-resource settings due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to screening. In Ethiopia, breast cancer accounts for over 30% of all female cancers, yet early detection remains critically underutilized. Harar Town, located in Eastern Ethiopia, presents unique challenges and opportunities for community-based interventions. This study aimed to strategically advance breast cancer prevention through a market-centered screening and awareness initiative targeting women in Shewa-Ber, the largest public market in Harar. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based screening program was conducted on October 28–29, 2023. Women aged 16 years and above who visited Shewa-Ber market were recruited using convenience sampling. A total of 204 women underwent clinical breast examinations performed by trained healthcare professionals, and 166 completed structured interviews. The survey instrument captured socio-demographic data, reproductive history, substance use, breast health complaints, and knowledge and practice of self-breast examination (SBE). Ethical clearance was obtained, and referrals were provided for suspected cases. Results: Among the 166 respondents, only 43.4% had prior knowledge of SBE, and 23.5% reported practicing it. Notably, 13.3% of screened women exhibited clinical signs suggestive of breast cancer and were referred for further diagnostic evaluation. Risk factors included early menarche (≤13 years), family history of breast cancer (4.2%), contraceptive use (41%), and substance exposure (chat: 24.7%, alcohol: 5.4%, tobacco: 1.8%). Educational attainment was low, with 25.3% of participants having no formal education. Despite 26.5% reporting breast-related symptoms, only one woman had previously accessed ultrasound screening. The intervention revealed significant gaps in awareness, screening access, and health-seeking behavior. Conclusion: This initiative demonstrated the 1581350 feasibility and effectiveness of decentralized, community-based breast cancer screening in a high-traffic public setting. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated public health strategies that combine education, screening, and referral systems to improve early detection and reduce mortality in underserved populations. Recommendations: We recommend scaling this model across similar urban and peri-urban markets in Ethiopia. Health authorities should prioritize training of frontline health workers in breast cancer awareness, embed SBE education into routine outreach, and establish referral linkages for diagnostic follow-up. Future studies should assess longitudinal outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and integration with national cancer control programs.
Abstract: Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women globally, with disproportionate impacts in low-resource settings due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to screening. In Ethiopia, breast cancer accounts for over 30% of all female cancers, yet early detection remains critically underutilized. ...
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Research Article
Management of Male Breast Cancer in Togo:
A Retrospective Study from the National Referral Oncology Unit
Ablavi Adani-Ifè*,
Koffi Amégbor,
Mohaman Djibril
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
144-150
Received:
27 September 2025
Accepted:
11 October 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: Background: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare cancer. This study aimed to analyze the clinical, pathological, and treatment features of MBC cases managed in an oncological setting in Togo. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on all histologically confirmed MBC cases diagnosed between March 2016 and March 2024 at the Oncology Unit of Sylvanus Olympio University Teaching Hospital in Lomé, Togo. Epidemiological, clinical, histological, and therapeutic data were collected from medical records and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results: Fifteen cases of MBC were identified among 653 confirmed breast cancer cases, representing a frequency of 2.3%. The mean age at diagnosis was 61 ± 15.75 years (range, 36-95 years). Most patients (33%) were aged 60-69 years. The average delay in seeking consultation was 36 months (range: 12-48 months). The most common presenting symptom was a retroareolar breast mass (n = 12; 80%). Invasive carcinoma of no special type was the predominant histological subtype (n = 12; 80%). Immunohistochemistry was performed on seven patients: three had luminal subtypes, while four had triple-negative tumors. Tumors were classified as T2 in 40%, T3 in 13.3%, and T4 in 46.7% of cases. Five patients (33.3%) initially presented with metastasis. Surgery was performed on eight patients. Chemotherapy was given to six patients. Radiotherapy was administered to one patient. Endocrine therapy was prescribed to three patients. Of the 15 patients in this study, two were lost to follow-up before treatment. Among the remaining 13 treated patients, at last follow-up, five were alive, two had no evidence of disease, and three showed evidence of disease. Additionally, three patients were lost to follow-up, and five patients had died. Conclusion: Male breast cancer remains a rare and often overlooked disease in our context, frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. Improving early detection strategies and increasing public awareness are crucial for achieving better outcomes.
Abstract: Background: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare cancer. This study aimed to analyze the clinical, pathological, and treatment features of MBC cases managed in an oncological setting in Togo. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on all histologically confirmed MBC cases diagnosed between March 2016 and March 2024 at the Oncology U...
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Research Article
Comparison of E-cadherin Marker Expression Between Lichen Planus, Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Samira Mostafazadeh,
Shahla Gharenaghadehi,
Fariba Abdal*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
151-156
Received:
30 October 2025
Accepted:
10 November 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: Objective: E-cadherin is a membranous glycoprotein that acts as an adhesive agent in intercellular communication, this marker level decreases in dysplastic condition, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the expression level of the mentioned marker on Oral Lichen Planus (OLP), Oral Leukoplakia (OL) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) lesions. Methods: In this in-vitro study was conducted on 60 pararhyme blocks of patients with OL, OLP, and OSCC (n = 20) using Immunohistochemically (IHC) staining diagnosis were classified as follows: Code 0: Not painted Code 1: Less than 25% staining, Code 2: 25% - 50% staining, Code 3: 50% - 75% staining, Code 4: More than 75% staining and reported as proportional score and data were compared according to gender and lesion type using SPSS 22.0 Software and significance level of p < 0.05). Results: 60 blocks of 60 patients (30 males and 30 females) were included in the study. E-cadherin marker expression on IHC code I (< 25% staining) and code II (25% < 50%) was the most in OSCC (25%) and OL (30%) respectively and the least in OLP (10 and 20% respectively). In IHC code 3 (50% < 75%) and code IV (< 75%) was the most in OLP (40% and 30% respectively) and the least in OSCC (20% and 30% respectively).. There was no significant difference in marker expression according to gender and lesion type (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that changes in cadherin expression in leukoplakia and lichen planus compared to squamous cell carcinoma can be considered as an important factor in the expression of dysplasia changes.
Abstract: Objective: E-cadherin is a membranous glycoprotein that acts as an adhesive agent in intercellular communication, this marker level decreases in dysplastic condition, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the expression level of the mentioned marker on Oral Lichen Planus (OLP), Oral Leukoplakia (OL) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) les...
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