PATTERN OF METASTATIC BREAST CANCER IN NIGERIA: A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF CASES FROM NATIONAL HOSPITAL, ABUJA

Background: Metastatic Breast Cancer is a common presentation among breast cancer patients in Nigeria. There has been a slight decline in breast cancer mortality, which can be attributed both to the success of early detection programs and advances in treatment.

Objective: To determine the pattern, sites, and outcomes of metastatic breast cancer among patients treated at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Methods: This was a retrospective study that involved all patients with a histopathology-confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer from January 2017 to December 2022 at the radiotherapy department of the National Hospital, Abuja. Data were analysed by SPSS version 2.0.

Results: The mean age of the studies was 47.2 (SD=11.5) years. More than half of the patients had metastasis, 153(54.8%). (37.7%) had metastases to the bone, 22.9% had metastasis to the lungs, 22.0% had metastasis to the spine, 18.1% had metastasis to the liver, and 10.7% had metastasis to the brain. Patients with multiple metastases died within one year, while solitary metastasis had 25% mortality within 1 year and 53% mortality in 5-year follow-up (Log-rank test 0.0001).

Conclusion: Despite improving breast cancer outcome, distant metastasis is common, incurable and hence a major challenge. Early recognition through diagnosis of metastatic disease will allow rapid institution of effective palliative treatment. This will improve the quality of life of patients.