Female breast cancer in Annaba Province, Algeria, 2004-2024: Temporal trends and characteristics.
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer is one of the most formidable health challenges of our time, claiming countless lives and profoundly impacting the well-being of women across the globe. The incidence of breast cancer is rising rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the incidence of invasive malignant female breast cancer in the Annaba Province of Algeria between 2004 and 2024 by time, age, molecular subtype, stage and urban-rural residence. METHODS Descriptive variables were extracted from the Annaba population-based cancer registry database. Annual crude and age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs), overall and for specific populations, were calculated and reported per 100,000 women. Joinpoint regression was used to characterize trends between 2004 and 2024. RESULTS 4578 women were diagnosed with invasive malignant female breast cancer in the Annaba Province between 2004 and 2024. The ASR was 79.4 (95% CI, 70.9-88.6) per 100,000 women in 2024. Crude incidence rates increased at an annual percent change of 7.1 (95% CI, 5.5-13.0) until 2018, after which they remained statistically stable during a period that included the Covid-19 pandemic. The most rapid increase occurred among women aged 60 and older. Trends of incidence by molecular subtype showed no significant variation. Hormone-dependent tumors were the most commonly diagnosed. Younger women more frequently presented with aggressive molecular subtype and late-stage tumors. Although breast cancer incidence was higher among women residing in urban areas, a greater proportion of late-stage diagnoses was observed in rural areas. CONCLUSION Female breast cancer incidence increased sharply in Annaba Province until 2018 and appears to have plateaued since. The study found differential risk profile by age and urban rural residence. The findings support the implementation of targeted awareness campaigns aimed at improving early detection in rural areas and among younger women.