FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL OF WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN GEORGIA

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide with nearly 2.4 million new cases diagnosed in 2015, In Georgia survival from breast cancer is lower than in many developing countries. The goal of the study was to identify predictors for low survival of disease in the country. Data from population-based cancer registry was used in order to estimate 1-year and 5-years relative survival rates for breast cancer. To identify predictors for low survival time, was performed bivariate analysis. Statistical analyses looked at correlations between possible predictors and survival period. From the cancer registry database 190 breast cancer cases, whose diagnosis were conformed histologically and died in 2015 were included in a statistical analysis. All analyses were performed using Epi Info version 7. According to population-based cancer registry, breast cancer is the most common form of  cancer among women in Georgia. In 2015 1838 breast cancer new cases were detected in the country, incidence rate composed 94.7 per 100000 population. Based on 190 breast cancer patients' data, that died during 2015, one-year and 5-year survival rate composed 69% and 26% in accordance. The results of bivariate analysis, show that late stage at diagnosis (OR=1.89, 95%CI=0.74-4.68), a young age of patients at diagnosis (OR=1.89, 95%CI=0.50-7.17), highly differentiated histological grade (OR=1.21, 95%CI= 0.44 - 3.54), is positively correlated with low survival period (less than 5 years), while having mastectomy (OR=0.52, 95%CI=0.27-0.89), adjuvant chemotherapy (OR=0.38, 95%CI=0.20-0.74), and a radiotherapy (OR=0.62, 95%CI=0.31-1.25), have statistically significant positive association with high (more than 5 years), survival period. A young age of patients at diagnosis, highly differentiated histological grade and late stage at diagnosis were possible predictors for low survival time (less than 5 years) in Georgia. Breast cancer survival can be extended by using complex methods of treatment and implementation of standardized approaches to management of diseases throughout the country.