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Optimization of Breast Biopsy and Mastectomy Sample Collection Procedures for Biobanking, Personalized Medicine, and Research Applications
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Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Breast Complaints Among Kenyan Women
Lorriane A Odhiambo1, Alexander J Marion2, Wairimu L Mwaura3
1Department of Biostatistics, Data Science and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.
JCO Global Oncology
|April 10, 2026
Summary
Breast complaints were reported by 23% of Kenyan women. A history of breast cancer significantly increased the likelihood of reporting these complaints, highlighting the need for improved surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant global health concern, particularly in low-resource settings.
- Understanding the prevalence of breast complaints and risk factors is crucial for early detection and intervention strategies in Kenyan women.
- Clinical breast examination (CBE) is a key screening tool in many communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of breast complaints (discharge, mass, pain, skin changes, asymmetry) and known breast cancer risk factors in Kenyan women undergoing CBE.
- To investigate the association between breast complaints and hormonal/lifestyle factors in this population.
- To inform public health strategies for breast cancer screening and management in Kenya.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional analysis of data collected from community screening events in Kenya (2019-2020).
- Inclusion of 2,117 women aged over 18 years with available CBE findings.
- Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with reported breast complaints.
Main Results:
- 23% of the 2,117 women reported experiencing breast complaints.
- Prevalence of key breast cancer risk factors: late pregnancy (1.5%), personal BC history (2.6%), family history (7.0%), early menarche (9.6%), nulliparity (17.1%), smoking (7.1%), and alcohol consumption (27.9%).
- Women with a prior breast biopsy (AOR, 2.99) or personal history of BC (AOR, 2.00) had significantly higher odds of reporting breast complaints.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of breast complaints is a significant concern in Kenyan women, contrasting with lower rates of established BC risk factors.
- A history of breast cancer is strongly associated with an increased likelihood of reporting breast complaints.
- Establishing surveillance systems and diagnostic follow-up for women reporting breast complaints during screening events is recommended to improve breast cancer outcomes.
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