Breast Cancer Distribution Pattern in a Pathology Center in South East Nigeria
Samuel I Ogenyi, Nancy C Ibeh, June A Onu, Jonathan U Madukwe, Onyekachi A Onu and Felix E Menkiti
Published: January 13, 2022
DOI: 10.55162/MCMS.02.011
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women accounting for about 11% of all cancer types diagnosed globally annually and one of the leading causes of women mortality in spite of significant improvements in treatment. Treatment of breast cancer in Nigeria is based of expression pattern of ER, PR and HER2 using targeted therapies.
Methods: Two hundred and seventy three (273) archived paraffin wax processed breast tissue samples were sorted and selected from the histopathology laboratories and museums of the facility. Data were realized from clinical records, operation notes and histopathology results of the patients involved. HER2, ER and PR expressions were assessed by immunohistochemistry (Avidin-biotin complex method). Expression patterns were scored based on proportion and intensity of immune-labeling using semi-quantitative method.
Results: The age of patients ranged from 30 to 75 years with greater population falling between 30-45 years. Numerically, breast cancer cases seen increased progressively from 2015 to 2019. Most breast cancer tissues were ER positive 146 (53.5%) while 65 (23.8%) samples were HER2 positive. A greater percentage of the samples assessed were ER/PR/HER positive (Triple positive) while ER negative/PR positive accounted for the least case.
Conclusion: The present study revealed a progressive increase of breast cancer incidence from the year 2015 to 2019 in the centre studied with ER/PR positive cancers being the most prevalent followed by triple negative cancers. More awareness to breast cancer risk factors, prevention, screening and early presentation to hospitals should be intensified with emphasis on early detection and targeted and personalized management.
Keywords: Breast Cancer; ER; PR; HER2