Epidemiological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Profile of Long-term Breast Cancer Survivors in Cameroon: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to late diagnosis and low survival. Studying "long-term survivors" is essential to identifying resilience factors and successful strategies. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of long-term breast cancer survivors at the Yaounde General Hospital (YGH) in Cameroon and and identify factors associated with prolonged survival. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study (2008–2018), we analyzed 204 patient records. Long-term survivors were defined as the 68 patients (33.3% of the cohort) who survived for at least three years after their diagnosis. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to detail their profile. Prognostic factors were identified using a Cox regression model. Results: The cohort was predominantly female (98.5%), with a median overall survival of 73.92 months (6.16 years). Patients were typically diagnosed at earlier stages (IIA, IIB, IIIA), and signs of locally advanced disease were rare. Key prognostic factors included (OR = 8.3, p<0.001), radiotherapy (OR = 2.7, p=0.001), and hormone therapy (OR = 2.9, p=0.001), and achieving a complete clinical response to initial treatment (OR = 4.5, p<0.001). The paradoxical association between relapse occurrence (OR = 2.8, p=0.001), and prolonged survival highlights the role of rigorous follow-up. Conclusion: Long-term survivors are characterized by less aggressive initial presentation and access to complete, multimodal treatment. Prioritizing early diagnosis and continuous oncological follow-up is key to improving regional prognosis.
Authors: Berthe Mapoko, Esther Bell, Veronique Mboua, Kenn Ndi, Etienne Atenguena, Dominique Anaba, Lionel Tabola, Pelagie Douanla, Anne Sango, Ruth Mapenya, Anne Maison, Sidonie Ananga, Ambroise Ntama, Zacharie Sando, Paul Ndom
Institutions: Université de Yaoundé I, University of Douala, University of Buea
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7114798458