The prevalence of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer in Ethiopia.

Background: In contrast with breast cancers (BCs) in other parts of the world, most previous studies reported that the majority of BCs in sub-Saharan Africa are estrogen-receptor (ER) negative. However, a recent study using the US SEER database showed that the proportion of ER-negative BC is comparable between US-born blacks and West-African born blacks but substantially lower in East African-born blacks, with over 74% of patients Ethiopians or Eritreans. In this paper, we provide the first report on the proportion of ER-negative BC in Ethiopia, and the relation to progesterone-receptor (PgR) status.

Experience of initial symptoms of breast cancer and triggers for action in ethiopia.

Objective. This study assessed the initial experiences, symptoms, and actions of patients in Ethiopia ultimately determined to have breast cancer. Methods.

Problem solving for breast health care delivery in low and middle resource countries (LMCs): consensus statement from the Breast Health Global Initiative.

International collaborations like the Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) can help low and middle income countries (LMCs) to establish or improve breast cancer control programs by providing evidence-based, resource-stratified guidelines for the management and control of breast cancer. The Problem Solving Working Group of the BHGI 2010 Global Summit met to develop a consensus statement on problem-solving strategies addressing breast cancer in LMCs. To better assess breast cancer burden in poorly studied populations, countries require accurate statistics regarding breast cancer incidence and mortality.

A mixed-method assessment of beliefs and practice around breast cancer in Ethiopia: implications for public health programming and cancer control.

A large proportion of breast cancer patients in Ethiopia present for biomedical care too late, or not at all, resulting in high mortality. This study was conducted to better learn of beliefs and practices among patients accessing breast cancer services in a large referral centre in Ethiopia. Using a mixed-method design, we interviewed 69 breast cancer patients presenting for care at Tikur Anbessa Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, about their beliefs, experiences and perspectives on breast cancer.

Complex care systems in developing countries: breast cancer patient navigation in Ethiopia.

Background: As the global visibility and importance of breast cancer increases, especially in developing countries, ensuring that countries strengthen and develop health systems that support prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a complex chronic disease is a priority. Understanding how breast cancer patients navigate health systems to reach appropriate levels of care is critical in assessing and improving the health system response in countries to an increasing breast cancer burden in their populations. Ethiopia has accelerated attention to breast cancer, expanding clinical and public health efforts at diagnosing and treating breast cancer earlier and more efficiently.

Women's cancers in developing countries: from research to an integrated health systems approach.

The article focuses on two women's cancers, breast and cervical cancer, that are much more deadly in developing countries than in developed countries. Early detection can make a significant difference for the treatment outcome of these two cancers and there are now cost-effective tools for prevention and screening. The authors propose a new public health approach to these two cancers in developing countries where resources for effective cancer control are very limited and offer a framework for putting women's cancers in developing countries on the global public health agenda.

Health systems financing: putting together the "back office".

Strengthening healthcare systems has been identified as central to Africa achieving global and regional development targets, including the millennium development goals. Lola Dare and Anne Reeler present case studies on issues that can contribute to improved integration and lead to better performance of health systems in Africa