Epidemiology of Breast Cancer in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: The world burden of newly diagnosed breast cancer is almost one million women in each year. This study aimed to investigate age-specific incidence rates with epidemiology of breast cancer. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital after ethical clearance obtained.  A total of 75 patients were enrolled in the study from February 2009 to January 2010. All consecutive female breast cancer patients were included except carcinoma of the male breast and recurrent female breast cancer. Data was analysed by Microsoft Office 2007 software. Results: Highest incidence (52%) was observed in the 31-40 years age group and then gradually declined with the increasing age giving a characteristic of inverted V- shaped curve. Majority of patients (49.3%) presented in an advanced stage (Stage III). Conclusion: The finding suggested that breast cancer screening protocol should be redefined and should start at an earlier age particularly for the high-risk groups.