Background: Breast cancer is the most common life-threatening cancer in women worldwide. It is estimated worldwide that over 508000 women died in 2011 due to breast cancer. In developing countries it is the leading cancer causing death of women. The incidence rates in Africa is noted to be increasing due to increasing life expectancy, increased urbanization and adoption of western lifestyle. In Zimbabwe it is the most common cancer affecting women followed by cervical cancer. The national registry association of Zimbabwe reports 7000 new cases annually.

During my junior rotation in surgery at Bugando medical centre and Sekou Toure hospital, at least two patients with breast cancer were seen every week. The majority of the patients were between the ages of 35-55. Most of the patients came in the late stages of the disease. Investigation of breast cancer at Bugando medical centre and Sekou Toure hospital begins from clinical examination of the patients, this is then followed by imaging studies, of which a mammogram is done, and the final investigation done is an excisional biopsy.

Having seen how patients with breast cancer were managed here, I got interested seeing how the same cases would be managed in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe having hospitals that are similar to first world hospitals. I was interested in seeing the different stages at which women with breast cancer report to the hospital in Zimbabwe, as well as how they manage the different stages of breast cancer in females.

The reason as to why I chose to do my attachment in Zimbabwe is that I was born and raised there, therefore I am very familiar with the country and the hospitals there. It would also help me cut down the cost of living while I am there since I will be staying with family.