Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Breast Cancer in Cotonou (2014-2019): Insights from a Population-Based Registry...

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and clinical characteristics of breast cancer cases diagnosed between 2014 and 2019 among women residing in Cotonou, Benin.

This retrospective cohort study included 277 women with breast cancer registered in the Cotonou Population-Based Cancer Registry between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2019. Qualitative variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages, whereas continuous variables were summarized as means with standard deviations. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Data analyses were performed using R software (version 3.6.1) and SPSS.

The crude incidence of breast cancer increased from 16.8 cases per 100,000 population in 2014 to 24.7 in 2019, with a peak of 38.9 in 2018. The mean age at diagnosis was 49.6 ± 11.9 years. Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages (III and IV), with T4 tumors being the most frequent presentation. Triple-negative breast cancer was the most prevalent molecular subtype. Overall survival was 57% at 1 year and 37% at 5 years.

Breast cancer in Cotonou predominantly affects relatively young women and is often diagnosed at advanced stages, contributing to poor survival outcomes compared with high-income countries. Strengthening early detection and prevention strategies should be a public health priority.