Factors affecting the survival of patients with breast cancer: A study conducted at the university clinics in Kinshasa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting the survival of patients with breast cancer.

This was a retrospective, analytical study involving 451 medical records examined during the study period; 138 of these records concerned female breast cancer patients treated as inpatients in the gynaecological oncology department between 2021 and 2023, spanning a three-year period.

The results showed that:

• The prevalence of breast cancer was 30.6 per cent.
• More than half (55 per cent) of the patients were aged 45 or over, with a median age of 46 (40.25–54.75) years.
• The predominant clinical symptoms were breast pain, a breast lump and dimpling of the skin.
• The difference in median survival time according to whether chemotherapy was administered was statistically significant (P = 0.025). This means that women who received chemotherapy had better survival outcomes.
• The difference in median survival duration according to surgical treatment was statistically significant (P = 0.002). This means that women who had not undergone surgery died earlier.
• The difference in median survival time according to palliative care was statistically significant (P = 0.047). This means that women who were not receiving palliative care had a shorter life expectancy.

Thus, improvements in early diagnosis, access to appropriate treatments and medical follow-up appear essential for reducing breast cancer mortality.

Keywords: cancer, breast, survival, affecting, factor, patients.

Received Date: August 17, 2026

Accepted Date: September 09, 2026

Published Date: October 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/1008