Survival of Breast Cancer Patients and Associated Factors at the Douala General Hospital

Background Breast cancer remains a major global public health challenge, with rising incidence and mortality rates worldwide. In transitioning countries such as Cameroon, survival rates among breast cancer patients are notably low. This is largely attributed to limited access to adequate medical supplies, delayed diagnosis, and significant financial barriers that hinder timely and effective treatment. This study aimed to assess the five-year survival rates of breast cancer patients at the Douala General Hospital (DGH), identify factors influencing these outcomes, and explore the key challenges patients face in their treatment journey. Methods This study employed a retrospective review of medical records of patients diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and followed them up both passively, through record reviews, and actively, via phone calls, to determine the five-year survival rate and identify factors influencing breast cancer patient outcomes at the DGH. Results Out of the 239 breast cancer patient files reviewed, 118 patients had died, 90 were still alive, and data for 31 patients could not be retrieved as of December 2022. The five-year survival rate was 44%. This low survival rate was associated with several factors, including; older age with Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.028 and p = 0.011), married patients showed better survival (HR = 0.495, p = 0.029) compared to widows (HR = 1). Similarly, alcohol consumption (HR = 1.335, p = 0.015), larger tumor size (HR = 1.7, p = 0.00), lymph node involvement (HR = 2.284, p = 0.01), presence of metastasis (HR = 2.57, p = 0.02), advanced cancer stage at diagnosis (HR = 2.89, p = 0.002), high proliferative index (HR = 1.05, p = 0.00), and diagnostic delay (HR = 2.003, p = 0.015) were significantly associated with low survival rates. Moreover, breast cancer patients at the Douala General Hospital faced significant challenges such as severe medication side effects, financial constraints, and cosmetic disfigurement resulting from treatment. Conclusion The study found a low five-year breast cancer survival rate of 44% at Douala General Hospital, mainly due to late diagnosis, advanced disease stages, and financial barriers. Improving early detection, access to affordable treatment, and patient support systems is essential to enhance survival and quality of life for breast cancer patients in Cameroon.