Ethnicity and breast cancer characteristics in Kenya

Abstract

Purpose There are no published data from specific regions of sub-Saharan Africa describing the clinical and pathological characteristics and molecular subtypes of invasive breast cancer by ethnic group. The purpose of this study was to investigate these characteristics among the three major ethno-cultural groupings in Kenya. Methods The study included women with pathologically-confirmed breast cancer seen between March 2012 and May 2015 at 11 hospitals throughout Kenya. Socio-demographic, clinical, and reproductive data were collected by questionnaire, and pathology review and immunohistochemistry were performed centrally. Results The 846 cases included 661 Bantus (78.1%), 143 Nilotes (16.9%), 19 Cushites (2.3%), and 23 patients of mixed ethnicity (2.7%). In analyses comparing the two major ethnic groups, Bantus were more educated, more overweight, had an older age at first birth and had a younger age at menopause than Nilotes (p<0.05 for all comparisons). In analyses restricted to definitive surgery specimens, there were no statistically significant differences in tumour characteristics or molecular subtypes, although the Nilote tumours tended to be larger (OR for ≥ 5 cm vs. < 2 cm: 3.86, 95%CI: 0.77, 19.30) and were somewhat more likely to be HER2-enriched (OR for HER2-enriched vs. Luminal A/B: 1.41, 95%CI: 0.79, 2.49). Conclusion This case series showed no significant differences in breast cancer tumour characteristics or molecular subtypes, but significant differences in socio-demographic characteristics and reproductive factors, among the three major ethnic groups in Kenya. We suggest further evaluation of ethnic differences in breast cancer throughout the genetically and culturally diverse populations of sub-Saharan Africa.

Phenotypic and morphometric differentiation of indigenous chickens from Kenya and other tropical countries augments perspectives for genetic resource improvement and conservation

“…This study employed a comprehensive dataset to decipher phenotypic and morphometric variability of indigenous domestic chickens. We present a large-scale characterization of indigenous chickens from the Kenyan Swahili coast, an important gateway into Kenya and the rest of Africa (Prendergast et al, 2017), in comparison to chickens from other traditional migratory corridors in the western and northern Kenya (Sayed et al, 2017). We further show the interactions among Kenyan chicken populations and how they relate to chickens from other African countries and Asia.…”

“…In Kenya, the Swahili coast was at the center of the Indian Ocean trade which facilitated the maritime introduction of domestic chickens into Africa (Prendergast et al, 2017). Additionally, traditional migratory corridors established during the peopling of Kenya, particularly the northern Kenya corridor (Lake Turkana basin) for the Nilotic ethnic groups and western corridor (Mount Elgon catchment) for the Bantu ethnic groups (Sayed et al, 2017), have an important implication with regards to the terrestrial spread of indigenous chickens from other African regions into Kenya, and their subsequent population differentiation (Ngeno et al, 2014a; Moraa et al, 2015).…”

Metastatic Breast Cancer in Kenya: Presentation, Pathologic Characteristics, and Patterns—Findings From a Tertiary Cancer Center

“…Few studies have focused on breast cancer characteristics in African populations; of those published, most have reported on the molecular profile and clinical staging of patients with breast cancer. 10-13 High-income countries have documented metastatic disease patterns in relation to receptor status and molecular subtype of breast cancer. 8,14-16 No studies from sub-Saharan Africa have specifically described patterns of metastatic breast cancer with patient and tumor characteristics.…”

Establishing Cohorts to Generate the Evidence Base to Reduce the Burden of Breast Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results From a Feasibility Study in Kenya

“…6 Although breast cancer research in Kenya is providing useful insights, studies are often limited to specific medical institutions and usually involve small numbers of patients. 7-10 Large-scale, community-based patient cohorts are crucial to provide findings on disease presentation, treatment outcomes, and survivorship experiences.…”