Author: Amaka P. EHIGHIBE , Oiza T. AHMADU, Joseph E. OKOKO, Izuchukwu B. ACHUSI, Lateef LAWAL, Benjamin O. POPOOLA, Saad A. AHMED

Manuscript ID: AFMJ-May-2025-15 Date Published: 2025-06-24 10:59:26

Abstract:

The establishment and utilization of protocols and guidelines in medical practice is a basic requirement if patients are to receive optimal care that meets global best practices. Various protocols and guidelines exist for the management of breast cancer world over. There is however, always the need to ensure that such protocols are practical and locally applicable. The multidisciplinary committee of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja set up a panel comprising all relevant stakeholders involved in the management of breast cancer at the hospital. This panel was tasked with the job of writing a protocol for breast cancer management at the FMC. Using the National Comprehensive Cancer network (NCCN) guidelines for breast cancer management as a baseline, this team of specialists drafted this protocol to cover the entire scope of breast cancer management from screening, to surgical treatment, oncology, pathology and breast reconstruction. It also explores options available for palliative care. Considerations are given to ensuring applicability of these guidelines in a resource poor setting with timelines to ensure delay free treatment and optimize patient outcomes. This document will be useful to all health care providers involved in the management of breast cancer and also in medical education for teaching medical students and resident doctors.

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