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Breast cancer--the need for early diagnosis.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|January 1, 1988
Summary
This study analyzed breast cancer cases in Singapore from 1977-1985. Findings indicate later-stage diagnosis compared to Western countries, often precluding conservative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Breast cancer treatment patterns and patient demographics in Singapore require ongoing analysis.
- Understanding trends in breast cancer staging is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze breast cancer cases treated at Toa Payoh Hospital, Singapore, between 1977 and 1985.
- To compare findings with previous series and Western data to identify trends in patient age, tumor stage, and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 265 female breast cancer patients.
- Data collection included patient age, tumor size, TNM staging, and treatment modalities.
- Comparison with historical data from the same institution and contemporary Western studies.
Main Results:
- The average patient age was 51.0 years, with a mean tumor diameter of 4.9 cm (Stage II).
- An increase in younger patients was observed, alongside a higher proportion of early-stage (Stage I) diagnoses compared to an earlier series.
- Breast cancer in Singapore was diagnosed at a later stage than in Western series, with limited suitability for conservative treatments.
Conclusions:
- Breast cancer in Singapore during this period presented at a later stage, necessitating standard radical mastectomy or mastectomy with axillary clearance.
- While some trends showed an increase in younger patients and early-stage diagnoses, the overall stage at diagnosis remained advanced compared to Western cohorts.