Trends in breast cancer stage at diagnosis over two decades in Côte d’Ivoire.

Abstract

e22510 Background: In Côte d’Ivoire, late-stage breast cancer diagnosis remains a leading cause of poor outcomes. National cancer control plans have been implemented to promote early detection. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of breast cancer stage at diagnosis over the last two decades. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed breast cancer at Treichville University Hospital between 2005 and 2024. Sociodemographic, clinical, and tumour stage (I-IV) data were collected. Trends in stage distribution across four time periods (2005-2009, 2010-2014, 2015-2019, 2020-2024) were analysed using chi-square tests (significance set at p<0.05). Results: A total of 699 patients were included (99.1% female; mean age 49.4±11.8 years). Stage III disease predominated across all periods (64.9% in 2005-2009 vs 51.5% in 2020-2024). Early-stage diagnoses (I-II) increased from 4.3% to 10.4% during the same interval. Metastatic cases fluctuated (19.1%, 11.1%, and 18.6% for 2010-2014, 2015-2019, and 2020-2024, respectively; p=0.037). The mean delay from symptom onset to diagnosis was 11.7±4.7 months, with a recent increase to 13.3±10 months (2020-2024), possibly due to COVID19-related healthcare disruptions. Conclusions: Our findings indicate gradual progress toward earlier breast cancer diagnosis in Côte d’Ivoire over two decades, reflecting the initial impact of national cancer control strategies. Nevertheless, advanced-stage presentations remain dominant. Strengthening organised screening programs, public education, and access to oncology services remains essential to improving survival outcomes.