Socio-Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Breast Cancer Patients at Ali Abad Teaching Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Abstract

  ABSTRACT Background Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, yet systematically collected data from Afghanistan remain scarce. This study aimed to characterize socio-demographic profiles, stage at presentation, treatment patterns, and short-term outcomes of breast cancer patients treated at Ali Abad Teaching Hospital, Kabul. Methods In this retrospective hospital-based descriptive study medical records of 232 patients diagnosed between January 2023 and December 2024 were reviewed, supplemented by structured telephone interviews. Patient flow was documented, including numbers screened, excluded, and included. Outcomes were defined as cured (disease-free at last follow-up), alive but not cured (persistent/recurrent disease), and death (deceased due to breast cancer or related complications). Results The mean age was 44.1 years (SD = 11.5). Most were married (93.2%) and of poor socioeconomic status (84.2%). Advanced disease was common (T4: 35.8%; N1/N2: 77.9%). Mastectomy was the predominant surgical treatment (97.6%). At last follow-up, 22.4% were deceased, 71.6% alive with persistent disease, and 6% disease-free. Conclusion Breast cancer in Afghanistan often presents at younger ages and advanced stages, with poor status at last follow-up. These findings provide baseline descriptive evidence and highlight the need for awareness, early detection, and improved access to multidisciplinary care. Keywords: Afghanistan, Breast cancer, Clinical Presentation, Early Detection of Cancer, Risk Factors