Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Survival of Breast Cancer: Data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry of the City of Parakou from 2017 to 2021

Background: Breast cancer mortality remains high in the majority of developing countries. The Ministry of Health has established two population-based cancer registries in Benin: the first one in Cotonou in 2014 and the second one in Parakou in 2017. However, there is a scarcity of data on breast cancer survival and prognosis in Benin Republic. Objective: This study sought to investigate epidemiological, diagnostic, and survival aspects of breast cancer in Parakou, based on data from its population-based cancer registry from 2017 to 2021. Method: For descriptive and analytical purposes, we used a retrospective cohort design. From January 24, 2022 to August 31, 2022, data were collected in all health facilities covered by the Parakou population-based cancer registry using an individual questionnaire. Survival and prognosis analysis were performed using KAPLAN MEIER method and David COX proportional hazard model respectively. Result: A total of 81 patients have been included in this study. The incidence rate of breast cancer in Parakou was 17.5 per 100,000 person-years with a mortality rate of 2.76 per 100,000 person-years. The median age at diagnosis was 44.50 years with extremes ranging from 19 to 76 years and a predominance of 40 - 50 years age group. The median survival time was estimated at 30 months with an overall 5-year survival of 47%. Young age at diagnosis (p-value = 0.002) and advanced stage at diagnosis (p-value = 0.000) had a negative impact on survival in women. The combination of surgery and chemotherapy improved survival (p-value = 0.018). Conclusion: Breast cancer is still a public health issue in Parakou. It comes out mandatory that resources be made available to make screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of breast cancer affordable.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Dysmenorrhea in Parakou, Benin

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a common symptom of gynecology that causes social and economic disruption in the lives of women who suffer from it. But many of them consider it inevitable and do not consult a health worker. Knowing the factors associated with this condition could help reduce its frequency and impact. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with dysmenorrhea in Benin in 2017. Method: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study from 17 April to 17 May 2017. It involved 822 women aged 15 to 44 selected by a cluster sampling technique. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, functional signs, and medical care was collected using questionnaires. The relationship between these factors and dysmenorrhea was analyzed using the chi2 test. The protocol was accepted by the ethics committee for biomedical research of the University of Parakou. The patients had given their informed consent. Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 72.6% (95% CI = [69.48;75.57]). Dysmenorrhea was predominantly primary (75%). 6.9% of women suffering from dysmenorrhea were using oral contraceptive. Asthenia and irritability are the most common accompanying signs of dysmenorrhea in 68.2% and 54.4% of cases respectively. Age, marital status, socio-professional occupation, educational level and parity were the factors associated (P < 0.001) with dysmenorrhea. A proportion of 87.3% of women suffering from dysmenorrhea had no medical care. Conclusion: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea is high in our climes. It would be important to raise awareness among women for medical and psychosocial care taking into account associated factors.