Kadiogo: Akossito Hermine Tognon brilliantly defended her doctoral thesis in public health, specializing in health policy and systems management, before an international jury on Thursday in Ouagadougou. Following deliberations, she was awarded a doctorate in public health from Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, with highest honors and the jury's congratulations.According to Burkina Information Agency, the thesis, titled "Late Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in an Urban Context: Epidemiological and Behavioral Contribution in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso," focused on the determinants of late breast cancer screening in the Burkinabe capital. The study revealed a late diagnosis rate of 32.74% for breast cancer.The research, conducted exclusively in Ouagadougou, comprised five components. It began with estimating the frequency and identifying factors linked to late diagnosis. It also examined women's perceptions, explored strategies for early diagnosis improvement, analyzed breast cancer care organization, and reviewed polic ies, action plans, and protocols for disease management.Akossito Hermine Tognon highlighted the need for community awareness, ongoing healthcare personnel training, improved access to screening tests, and the integration of breast cancer screening into primary healthcare to enhance early detection.Thesis supervisor Maxime Drabo believes the study will influence attitudes towards breast cancer, a disease often associated with fear and stigma. He emphasized the opportunities related to free diagnosis, certain medications, and treatment.Jury president Clément Ziemlé Meda recommended further research, advocating for strengthened scientific dialogue and future investigations to build on the study's findings.