Breast cancer: patient characteristics and survival analysis at Salmaniya medical complex, Bahrain

Breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm affecting women in Bahrain. We studied the demographic characteristics and clinical presentation of patients with breast cancer and conducted survival analyses based on various factors. Data on all the 117 breast cancer patients at the Salmaniya Medical Complex who had been discharged during the period 1982-94 were audited. When first seen by a physician 70% of the patients had a lump size > 2 cm, with 51.3% presenting in clinical stage II, 21.4% in clinical stage III and 11.1% in clinical stage IV. Only 6.8% of patients presented in clinical stage I. Cumulative survival rates calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method were 68.8%, 57.33% and 36.44% after 5, 7 and 10 years respectively. Our study highlights the need for increased awareness about breast cancer by women in Bahrain, and the need for early detection through regular screening.