Prevalence of breast-related symptoms, health care seeking behaviour and diagnostic needs among women in Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND The prevalence of breast cancer has been increasing in sub-Saharan Africa over the last few years. Patients often present with late stage disease, resulting in a high mortality rate. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of breast -related symptoms in the female population of Burkina Faso. The findings can be used to advise on adequate diagnostic health services for breast symptoms to ensure early detection and down-staging of breast cancer. METHODS A cross-sectional, population based study of 996 women was conducted to investigate the proportion of women with breast-related symptoms. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, information about breast cancer knowledge and details about breast-related symptoms, health care seeking and medical care. Breast-related symptoms were categorised as currently present/not currently present to estimate the current prevalence of women requiring a diagnostic service. RESULTS Among the 996 women, 120 reported having had a breast-related symptom in their life. Only 36 women sought medical advice and eight women had diagnostic confirmation by histological or imaging techniques. Current breast-related symptoms were reported by 33 women (3.3% of the sample). An extrapolation to Burkina Faso's female population suggests that 184,562 women are in current need of diagnostic services due to any breast-related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Imaging techniques at the community and referral level are needed in order to triage women with breast-related symptoms. Specialised services need to be strengthened to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases. Education campaigns among the general population and among health care professionals are required to increase awareness of breast cancer and improve prompt health care seeking and referral.