Age distribution and histo-epidemiological profile of breast cancer cases in Bauchi, North-eastern Nigeria: A five-year review

Breast cancer cases in Nigeria are often characterized by late presentation, representing the primary cause of cancer-related deaths in the region. This study is a retrospective review of all breast cancer specimens submitted to the histopathological department of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 199 confirmed cases were retrieved in 5 years (2017-2021). Out of the 199 cases that were analyzed, 7 (3.5%) were males, and the remaining 192 (96.5%) were females with a male to female ratio of 1:27. The most common histological type of breast cancer recorded is the Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (Non otherwise specified) which represented 89% of all cases. Six (6) deaths were recorded across the males and females patients, with no significant gender-based difference in death outcome (p=0.635). Only one case of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ was diagnosed within the period under review, with an average of about 3.3 diagnosis per month. Programs and health outreaches that promote and encourage better health-seeking attitude and routine breast screening is highly recommended.