Breast Cancer-Why We Present Late

Breast cancer incidence is relatively lower in Africa. However, despite its relatively lower incidence, the mortality rate is quite high compared to the west. One of the reasons for the high mortality is late presentation. This prospective study sought to find out the reasons for the late presentation. Materials And Methods Consecutive patients diagnosed with Breast Cancer at any stage were recruited into the study. A well-structured questionnaire was prepared, oral consent obtained after carefully explaining the purpose of the study. History was taken and physical examination done. The patients were then classified into stages and those in stages III and IV were included in this study. The questionnaires were filled by directly questioning the patients. Data was analyzed by IBM SSPS statistics 24. Result There were 131/191 (68.6%) respondents who presented late in stages III & IV, all females, with an age range of 25-88 years and a mean of 48.69 (SD 11.35). The highest incidence is in the age range 40-49 with 25.2% (33/131) while the least incidence is found in the age range 80-89 with 4.6% (6/131) only. Of 131 respondents, 75 (57.3%) sought unorthodox help initially when they noticed a problem in their breasts, 4(34.4%) sought some form of orthodox help including visiting health workers at home, going to chemists/ pharmacies while only 11 (8.3%) presented first to our center. Out of 131 respondents, 14.8% (18/131) cited lack of funds, 30.3% (37/131) church/pastors/priests/prayers, 11.5% (14/131) fear of mastectomy, 30.3% (37/131) lack of awareness/knowledge, 39.3% (48/131/) herbal remedy. Other reasons include self-medication, trust in God, hope, etc.