Stage of diagnosis: the impact of awareness campaigns on breast cancer

Summary Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer of women. In our context approximately 60% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages due to late diagnosis. Since the creation of the Lalla Salma Association to Fight Against Cancer (ALSC) in 2005, awareness raising campaigns on breast cancer have been conducted to promote early diagnosis and screening. The main objective of our study is to evaluate the impact of awareness campaigns on breast cancer organized by the Lalla Salma Association Against Cancer on the evolution of the distribution by stage at diagnosis. Methods: In our study we included 1162 patients, of which 574 were recruited in 2004 (before any awareness campaign) and 588 in 2009 (after the first national awareness campaigns on cancer in general and breast cancer). Results: The percentage of patients who consulted with a delay of less than three months has increased significantly in 2009 (p < 0.001), which could be the cause of the significant increase in localized stages diagnosed in 2009: 56.4% in 2004 versus 68.6% in 2009 (p < 0.001). This has resulted in a significant increase in the rate of conservative treatment carried out during 2009: 16.5% in 2004 versus 25.2% in 2009 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Promotion of early diagnosis of breast cancer (breast self / clinical examination medical) in Morocco seen the hospital data showing that breast cancer is still currently diagnosed at a late stage is essential and indispensable in the coming years. Prat Organ Soins. 2012;43(4):269-275