In Africa, breast cancer closely compares with cervical cancer as the most common malignancy affecting women and the incidence rates appear to be rising. Eritrea is experiencing a growing breast cancer problem, but little is presently known on tumor patterns, breast cancer epidemiology, and risk factors. The main objective of this study is to provide baseline data on breast cancer incidence in both sexes in Eritrea. This study was carried out retrospectively and quantitatively by collecting, abstracting, analyzing, coding, and interpreting data recorded in National Health Laboratory (NHL) using CanReg5 ver. 5.00.35. Extracting and classification of the tumor data was done using topography, morphology together with the ICD-10. To generate the incidence rate for the seven years the Eritrean population dataset was used from the population pyramid net for 2014. After we entered all the data from Pathology department in NHL, data was analyzed using the predetermined and developed built-in analysis tools of CanReg5 software and Microsoft Excel 2010. A total number of 9,403 pathology cases were recorded from 2011 to 2017. Out of these 1,497 cases were confirmed as cytology and histology of breast cases. From 1,497 confirmed breast cases in both sexes, the incidence of benign cases was higher than incidence of malignant cases with the case number of 1, 149, and 348, respectively. Out of the 1,497 cases, 1,447 (96.66&#x25;) were females; this included a total incidence cases of female benign and malignant breast cases 1,111 (76.78&#x25;), and 336 (23.22&#x25;), respectively. In both female and male age group the highest positive cases were found in the age greater than 85. The incidence age standard rate per 100,000 in females and male was 3.3 and 0.2, respectively. In sum, the age standardized incidence of breast cancer was relatively low. However, it is our opinion that the low prevalence may be due to low awareness and a highly centralized screening and diagnostic services. This limits access. Altogether, it is our opinion that breast cancer presents a burden to Eritrean ministry of health.

Lidia B. Medhin

Lia A. Tekle

Daniel T. Fikadu

Danait B. Sibhatu

Samson F. Gebreyohans

Kibrom H. Gebremichael

Tesfamariam M. Halki

Saleh M. Said

Yosief T. Ghidei

Hartmut Lobeck

Incidence of Breast Cancer in Eritrea: A Retrospective Study from 2011 to 2017

Gianluca Franceschini

Alba Di Leone

Riccardo Masetti

Comment on &#x201c;Extreme Oncoplastic Surgery for Multifocal/Multicentric and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer&#x201d;

Background. The Institute of Medicine has established Survivorship Care Planning as a critical component of cancer care to ensure that cancer survivors receive the appropriate follow-up care in a timely manner and support cancer survivors in dealing with the risk of recurrence, yet little is known about how cancer survivors think about preventing or controlling future cancer recurrence. This study sought to assess breast cancer women&#x2019;s perceived prevention and perceived control of future cancer recurrence. Methods. Women with a history of breast cancer (n=114) were surveyed, and data were analyzed using concurrent mixed methods. Binary logistic regression models examined predictors of perceived prevention and perceived control of cancer recurrence. Results. Most women perceived that they could control cancer recurrence (89&#x25;); few (30&#x25;) perceived that they could prevent cancer recurrence. Women reported components of the timeline (e.g., early diagnosis), identity (e.g., cancer in body), causes (e.g., hereditary), consequences (e.g., witness success), and cure/control (e.g., exercise) or lack of cure/control. Women who reported lack of control were less likely to perceive that they could control cancer recurrence. Women who reported causes were less likely to perceive that they could prevent or control cancer recurrence. Conclusions. Women&#x2019;s perceptions about the prevention and control of cancer recurrence are important and different factors in the minds of women with breast cancer. Most women believed they could control cancer recurrence; however, few believed they could prevent cancer recurrence. Interventions to focus on control of cancer recurrence, focusing on evidence-based clinical and lifestyle interventions, are needed.

Monira Alwhaibi

Christa L. Lilly

Hannah Hazard

Kimberly M. Kelly

Breast Cancer Survivors&#x2019; Perceptions of Prevention versus Control of Future Cancer Recurrence

Background. Breast cancer is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, despite the numerous measures employed to prevent and manage the disease. This study explored the knowledge and health seeking behaviour of breast cancer patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, from June 2014 to July 2014. Thirty-five participants were purposively selected. The responses to questions about their experiences with breast cancer were determined using indepth interviews. Transcripts were coded and analysed using NVIVO version 10.0. Results. Participants&#x2019; knowledge about signs and symptoms of breast cancer after their diagnosis was high but low for risk factors. Screening for breast cancer through self-breast examination was infrequently performed prior to their diagnosis. The patients&#x2019; first point of care was generally health facilities. Some patients reported late due to misinterpretation of signs and symptoms, cultural influences and fear of losing their breast to surgery, physician delay, health providers&#x2019; laxity, and disinterest in breast cancer. Men, for example, husbands, decide on where and when breast cancer patients go for treatment. Conclusion. There is poor knowledge of the risk factors for developing breast cancer. Patients resorted to the hospital as first options for cure but were generally delayed in doing so. There is the need to create awareness about breast cancer among the general population.

Francis Agbokey

Elorm Kudzawu

Mawuli Dzodzomenyo

Kenneth Ayuurebobi Ae-Ngibise

Seth Owusu-Agyei

Kwaku Poku Asante

Knowledge and Health Seeking Behaviour of Breast Cancer Patients in Ghana

Background. Breast cancer is the leading form of cancer in women in Trinidad and Tobago. Traditionally the practice of mastectomy or wide local excision with or without axillary clearance was applied to most of these patients. This is often associated with significant morbidity and a poor cosmetic outcome with both negatively impacting the patients quality of life. The aim of our study was to assess the mastectomy and axillary clearance rate before and after the introduction of a specialty breast clinic in September 2012. Design and Methods. This is a retrospective comparative study of all female patients who underwent breast cancer surgery at our tertiary hospital 3 years prior to and 3 years after starting of breast clinic (between January 2010 and December 2015). Patients were identified from the surgical log books of our hospital. There are 5 surgical units at our hospital and in one of those units the lead surgeon had a special interest in surgical oncoplastic breast surgery. That unit formed the breast clinic in August 2012. Results. There were 532 women (256 before breast clinic and 276 after breast clinic era) with histologically verified breast cancer operated on between January 2010 and December 2015. The overall mastectomy rate was reduced from 62&#x25; to 51&#x25; (0.7 to 0.4) and the axillary clearance rate from 66.79&#x25; versus 37.31&#x25; (0.6 to 0.4) after the introduction of the clinic with p values of 0.007 and 0.009, respectively. Conclusions. The introduction of breast clinic has significantly reduced the mastectomy and axillary clearance rate at our teaching hospital.

Shariful Islam

Imran Aziz

Jitendra Shah

Jacob Oba

Patrick Harnarayan

Arlene Jammie Rampersad

Vijay Naraynsingh

The Impact of Breast Clinic on the Mastectomy and Axillary Clearance Rates at a Tertiary Hospital in an Eastern Caribbean Nation: A Comparative Study

Introduction. Breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiation therapy (RT) has become the preferred alternative to mastectomy for patients with early stage breast cancer (BC). Randomized trials have confirmed equivalent locoregional control and overall survival for BCS and mastectomy. Extreme Oncoplasty (EO) extends the indications of BCS for patients who would otherwise require mastectomy, ensuring better aesthetic outcomes and oncological safety. Methods. BC patients with multifocal/multicentric (MF/MC) tumors, extensive DCIS, or large tumor &#x3e;50mm underwent EO at our breast unit. Therapeutic reduction mammaplasty (TRM) with wise pattern preoperative markings and dual pedicle technique involving parenchymal rearrangement was used for oncoplastic reconstructions in majority of the cases followed by RT. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed using the validated Breast-Q questionnaire. Results. Of the 39 patients in the study, 36 had unilateral and 3 had bilateral BC. Mean age was 47.2 years. Median tumor size was 75mm. 17 (43.6&#x25;) patients received NACT; none achieved a complete clinical response. 28 (71.8&#x25;) patients were administered to adjuvant chemotherapy. 33(84.6&#x25;) patients received RT to the breast with a median dose of 50Gy in 28 fractions and a boost dose of 10Gy in 5 fractions to the tumor bed. No major complications or local recurrences were observed. Excellent Breast-Q scores were observed in patients undergoing EO after 12 months of follow-up. Conclusion. EO followed by RT results in acceptable local-regional control, low rate of complications, and high patient satisfaction. In selected patients, EO could provide a safe alternative for breast conservation surgery instead of mastectomy.

Chaitanyanand B. Koppiker

Aijaz Ul Noor

Santosh Dixit

Laleh Busheri

Gautam Sharan

Upendra Dhar

Hari Kiran Allampati

Smeeta Nare

Extreme Oncoplastic Surgery for Multifocal/Multicentric and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Background. The guidelines recommend considering the BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations in female patients with breast carcinomas. In this retrospective study, the BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence in high-risk breast carcinoma patients in a Turkish population was investigated. Materials and Methods. In high genetic risk breast carcinoma patients, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations were identified by applying next-generation sequencing. Results. The results showed BRCA1/2 mutations in 19&#x25; of the total patients. In those with first-degree relatives with breast carcinoma histories, the BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence was also 19&#x25;. In the patients younger than 40 years old, the BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence was 19.5&#x25;. In the triple-negative breast carcinoma patients younger than 60 years old, the BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence was 24.2&#x25;. In the patients younger than 40 years old with triple-negative breast carcinomas, BRCA1/2 mutation positivity was found in 37.5&#x25; of the patients. Overall, in the Turkish population, the BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence ranges from 19&#x25; to 37&#x25; in patients with high-risk breast carcinomas. Conclusion. It is recommended to check for BRCA1/2 mutations in all high-risk breast carcinoma patients in the Turkish population.

Caglayan Geredeli

Nurgul Yasar

Abdullah Sakin

Germline Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Breast Cancer Patients with High Genetic Risk in Turkish Population

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International Journal of Breast Cancer provides a forum for scientists, clinicians, and health care professionals working in breast cancer research and management. Research includes molecular pathology, genomics, genetic predisposition etc.

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International Journal of Breast Cancer - Table of contents 2019

International Journal of Breast Cancer | Hindawi

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International Journal of Breast Cancer provides a forum for scientists, clinicians, and health care professionals working in breast cancer research and management. Research includes molecular pathology, genomics, genetic predisposition etc.

International Journal of Breast Cancer