Prevalence, trends and risk factors of breast cancer Mortality in Namibia: 2000-2015

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to establish prevalence, trends and risk factors for breast cancer survival in Namibia. Secondary data was available from the Namibia Cancer Association Registry for breast, cervical and prostate cancer from the year 2000 to 2015. Patient survival was measured by age at death and the event variable was whether the patient was still alive or dead. Covariates included sex, ethnicity, and region. Descriptive summary statistics in form of tables, charts and graphs were used to profile the background characteristics of the patients. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to establish the determinants of survival among cancer patients. Results showed that breast cancer survival was influenced by age, region and ethnicity. Policy efforts should focus on the whites, basters and Herero speaking groups. Khomas region had the highest percentage of cancer cases and this calls for further research on the causes.