Breast carcinoma over three decades in northern Pakistan--are we getting anywhere?

To compare the histological prognostic markers in breast carcinoma over three decades in Northern Pakistani population and analyse for any change in trends in terms of prognostic markers.

Cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from January 2004 to December 2006 at AFIP, Rawalpindi on 822 cases of female breast carcinoma. Assessment of tumour size on gross examination followed by microscopic evaluation of tumour type, tumour grade, lymph node metastasis and skin involvement was done. The results of the present data were compared with studies of Wahid et al (January 1994 to December 1997) and Malik et al (January 1984 to December 1986) from the same institute.

Total 822 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed with 541 (64.9%) cases of mastectomy. The mean age was 48 +/- 12 years with a mean tumour size of 4.6 +/- 2 cm. Atumour size of >5 cm was seen in 30.6% cases and only 18.8% cases had a size <2 cm. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma was the commonest subtype in 674 (81%) cases with histological grade II in 533 (64%) cases. Lymph node metastasis was present in 74.6% cases and skin involvement in 36% cases. The comparison of the results of the present study with those over the past two decades in Pakistan show that the mean age at diagnosis remains around 48 years. There is statistically significant increase in the tumours of <5 cm at presentation and a higher frequency of tumours with dermal invasion. No significant change is seen in frequency of lymph node metastasis at operation and tumour grade.

The comparison of results of other studies done over the past three decades in the region are not very encouraging. The age of presentation remains younger as compared to the West. A positive note is seen in terms of a decreasing tumour size but lack of DCIS cases in our material underlines the need of mammography and launching of effective screening programmes at the national level. Early detection of cases will help in treatment and subsequently improve prognosis in these patients as advocated by the West.