Breast cancer in Tunisia: clinical and pathological findings.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to survey the clinical and pathological features of breast cancer in the Center of Tunisia. DESIGN Characteristics of all breast cancer cases diagnosed in the Pathology Department, Farhet Hached Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia during a 15-year period (1993-2007) were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 2,404 new cases of breast cancer were recorded, only 48 being diagnosed in men. The age-standardized incidence rate was 0.7 and 29.2 per 100,000 in men and women, respectively, with median ages of 48.0 and 64.5 years. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common (2,012 cases). Stage II was the most frequent (47.7%) followed by advanced stages (Stage III and IV, 41%). CONCLUSION Cancer of the breast remains the most common cancer in the absence of specific screening measures among Tunisian women. Our study justifies the need to plan and develop effective programs aiming at the control and prevention of the spread of breast cancer in Tunisia.