Breast Cancer Patients' Characteristics at a Tertiary Centre in Benghazi, Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.2.53Keywords:
Breast cancer, Patients, Characteristics, Benghazi , LibyaAbstract
Background: The most common cancer diagnosed in women between the ages of 20 and 50 is breast cancer. Changes in risk factor profiles, improved cancer registration, and early cancer identification have all contributed to an increase in its incidence and death rates over the past three decades. Obesity increases risk in women who are postmenopausal, late menopausal, and have early menarche. At the same time, breastfeeding and physical activity may reduce risk. Although they only occur in a small percentage of instances, mutations in specific genes significantly raise the risk of breast cancer. Aim: To describe the epidemiological characteristics among breast cancer patients at a tertiary centre in Benghazi, Libya. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 105 patients diagnosed with breast cancer were included. Results: The patients were aged Mean ± SD (55.4±12.7), 84(80%) were married, 53.3% BMI ≥ 30 (Obese), 32% had not breastfed their baby, 23% nulliparous, 46% with family history of breast cancer, 31.4% used hormonal therapy, 20% of them had their menarche at an age less than 12 years and 21(20%) had menopausal age higher than 48years.Conclusion: This study reported a high percentage of risk factors that could have an association with their disease, such as obesity, family history, parity, nulliparity, and hormonal issues. The findings also highlight a notable impact of reproductive history and hormonal therapy use.
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