Profile of patients seen at Pietersburg and Mankweng breast cancer clinics in Limpopo.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women worldwide. It is the most prevalent cancer and leading cause of death among South African (SA) women. The increasing incidence of breast cancer is a major health concern. Until now, the distribution of breast cancer demography, stage at first presentation, and histological characterisation have not been studied in Limpopo Province, SA. OBJECTIVES: To record the demographic profile of breast cancer patients, to report the stage at the time of presentation and to characterise the pattern of malignant disease in Limpopo, SA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive review of the records of patients managed at Pietersburg Hospital oncology and Mankweng Hospital breast cancer clinics during the period 1 March 2015 - 28 February 2017. Stata was used to analyse data. RESULTS: A total of 248 patients with a mean age of 55 years were included for analysis, 7 males (3%) and 241 females (97%). Capricorn and Vhembe districts constituted 32% and 27% respectively. The majority (69%) of patients were diagnosed with disease stage III or IV. The most common histological type was invasive ductal cell carcinoma (IDC) (87%). CONCLUSIONS: More than one-third of patients were younger than 50 years. The majority (69%) had an advanced breast cancer (stage III or IV). We recommend provision of mammography services in regional hospitals.