Age-related prevalence of breast cancer in Benghazi, Libya

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. While incidence and mortality rates have been declining in high-resource countries, they continue to rise in low-resource settings. This trend is largely attributed to differences in risk factors, early detection, and access to treatment. Risk factors for breast cancer include increasing age, genetic and reproductive history, hormone usage, lifestyle factors, and body weight. This study identifies that women aged 45 to 54 are most at risk of breast cancer diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Center for Tumors in Benghazi, Libya, covering cases from January 2022 to August 2024. Data analysis, including graphical representation and pie charts, was performed using Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: A total of 535 cases were collected, with 99% involving female patients and 1% male patients. The majority of records were collected in 2023. The average age of patients in 2024 was 58 years (SD = 18.6), with an age range of 18 to 94 years. The highest incidence was observed in the 45-54 age group, with 161 cases reported. Conclusion: The study investigates breast cancer trends in Libya, revealing a significant incidence among women aged 45 and older, it highlights challenges such as advanced-stage diagnoses due to socio-cultural barriers, lack of awareness, and limited screening access. The study advocates for targeted public health interventions, effective screening programs, and increased awareness to improve early detection and outcomes.