Characterization And Costs Of Breast Conditions At An Open Access Breast Clinic In South Africa.

e13570Background: While most breast-related research focuses on cancer, presentation of symptomatic persons in non-screened environments requires both understanding the spectrum of breast diseases and the cost of diagnosis, so as to plan services in resource-constrained settings. This study presents the variety of breast disease managed at a government, open-access breast clinic in South Africa. Methods: We performed a retrospective file review using a systematic random sample of patients 18 years and above presenting for breast care over a 14-month period. We collected demographics, clinical characteristics, management and final diagnoses, as well as diagnostic costs per patient over a 12 month period. Results: The final sample contained 365 individuals (97.5% women). Most were black, unmarried and South African citizens with a median age of 43 years (IQR 31–55). Of those reporting their status (24.1%) 38.6% were HIV-positive. A mass (57.0%) and/or pain (28.5%) were the most common symptoms. Imaging and ...