Trends in breast cancer mortality in Trinidad and Tobago--a 35-year study

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. This study examines the breast cancer mortality patterns and trends in the Caribbean island state, Trinidad and Tobago for the 35-year period, 1970-2004.

A retrospective analysis of the trends in breast cancer mortality from 1970 to 2004 was conducted. Crude mortality per 100,000 women, age-standardized mortality using World Standard population and age-stratified mortality were calculated and comparison was made between age groups above and below 50 years.

A general pattern of increase was observed in both crude and age-standardized mortality. The overall average crude mortality was 15.6 per 100,000 women (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.9-17.1) and the average age-standardized mortality was 18.0 per 100,000 women (95% CI 16.7-19.2). There was a pattern of increase in mortality with increasing age. The mortality rate was considerably higher for the age groups above 50 years than those less than 50 years of age both showing an upward trend over the 35-year period.

Breast cancer mortality continued to increase over the 35-year period in Trinidad and Tobago. This study did not identify the exact reasons for this increasing trend. However, it is known that Trinidad and Tobago is becoming much more industrialized. It may be speculated that decrease in fertility rates, increase in the incidence of obesity and hormone utilization could have influenced this trend.