Breast cancer surgery: experience of the university hospital Center of Brazzaville from 2015 to 2024

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical aspects as well as the outcomes of surgical management of breast cancer at the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Brazzaville.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective and descriptive study including patients operated on for breast cancer between January 2015 and December 2024. The variables analyzed comprised age, TNM stage, type of surgery, and 5‑year survival.

Results: The mean age of patients was 48.5 years. Diagnosis was characterized by a significant delay (average of 8.4 months), with a predominance of stages T3 and T4 (78%). Invasive ductal carcinoma of SBR grade III was the most frequent histological type. Radical mastectomy according to Madden was the predominant surgical technique (84%), while breast-conserving surgery remained marginal (6%). The postoperative complication rate was 19.5%. Overall 5‑year survival was 20.4%, affected by a high rate of loss to follow‑up (32%).

Conclusion: Breast cancer surgery in Brazzaville remains dominated by mutilating procedures due to late diagnosis. Improving prognosis requires early detection and better financial accessibility to care.