Breast carcinoma in young Nigerian women

Breast cancer presenting in 32 Nigerian women 30 years of age or younger was studied; 32 other premenopausal women matched in TNM stage of disease served as controls. More than 80% of both groups presented with advanced breast carcinoma; 18.7% of the study group patients were pregnant or lactating. Management consisted of some form of surgery and chemotherapy (methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil and prednisolone for both groups). Two year survival for the study group (25%) was lower than that of the control group (37.5%). Breast cancer in this age group is a problem which needs further documentation in Africa. Earlier diagnosis, and a more aggressive combined modality therapy are needed to improve the prognosis.