Authors : M.L. Adeoti , A.S. Oguntola , A.O.A. Aderounmu and O.S. Agodirin
Abstract: A large number of our patients present with advance breast cancer and quite a large number are unable to afford the cost of even minimal intervention i.e. investigation, operation and chemotherapy. They are easily lost to spiritual houses or traditional healers home. This greatly worsens the outcome of care. We believe these are related to the effect of poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, which could all be secondary to socio-cultural beliefs and political instability. To present the effects of the above mentioned factors on the outcome of care of breast cancer among other disease entities in south western Nigeria as seen in our hospital. The constraints encountered are also to be highlighted. A retrospective study of all breast cancer patients seen between June 2001 and May 2006 (five year period). One hundred and nineteen (75%) out of 158 cancer of breast cases presented late-with Manchester stage III and IV. Thirteen of the operated cases (13%) had local or/and axillary recurrence at one year. Mortality of the followed up cases at one year was 5%. With intensified public enlightenment effort to facilitate early detection, economic empowerment of the populace and prioritization of limited resources, the management and outcome of breast cancer will be more favorable.
M.L. Adeoti , A.S. Oguntola , A.O.A. Aderounmu and O.S. Agodirin , 2008. Influence of Socio-Cultural, Political, Economic Status and Environment on the Outcome of Surgical Practice in a Developing Tropical Country-Using Breast Cancer as Case Study. Surgery Journal, 3: 21-23.