Clinicopathologic profile and psychosocial experiences of Nigerian breast cancer survivors Journal Article


Authors: Wuraola, F. O.; Olasehinde, O.; Di Bernardo, M.; Aderounmu, A. A.; Adisa, A. O.; Omoyiola, O. Z.; Omisore, A. D.; Kingham, T. P.; Mango, V.; Alatise, O. I.
Article Title: Clinicopathologic profile and psychosocial experiences of Nigerian breast cancer survivors
Abstract: PURPOSE: Breast cancer survivors are a distinct category of patients with unique characteristics and needs. The population of survivors is expected to increase, given the rising incidence of breast cancer in Nigeria, and the improvements in breast cancer outcomes. This study evaluated the clinicopathologic characteristics and the psychosocial experiences of a cohort of Nigerian breast cancer survivors. METHODS: From an institutional breast cancer database, patients managed between January 2010 and December 2016 were evaluated. Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment details, and survival estimates were assessed. These were compared with nonsurvivors managed during the same period. Survivors were defined as those who have been alive for at least 5 years from the date of presentation. Qualitatively, a purposive sample of 20 survivors was evaluated using one-on-one in-depth interviews to assess their experiences and coping mechanisms after treatment. RESULTS: Of the 355 patients in the database during the study period, there were 163 survivors (45.9%), while 192 (54.1%) died. Age, stage at presentation, tumor size, and receipt of multiple treatment modalities were significantly associated with survival. Five themes were identified in qualitative analysis: initial reaction to the diagnosis, experiences during treatment, social support, coping strategies, and advocacy. Strong family support and spirituality were prominent coping strategies identified in this cohort. CONCLUSION: Despite obvious infrastructural and manpower limitations, Nigerian patients who present early and receive multimodal therapy and different breast cancer treatments have better odds of survival. Survivors have some unmet psychosocial and physical needs requiring intervention.
Journal Title: JCO Global Oncology
Volume: 9
ISSN: 2687-8941
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology  
Date Published: 2023-01-01
Start Page: e2300022
Language: English
DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00022
PUBMED: 37769219
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC10581652
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledged the PubMed record and PDF -- Source: Scopus
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  1. T Peter Kingham
    609 Kingham
  2. Victoria Lee Mango
    62 Mango