Breast cancer in northern Alberta: pilot study in computerized registration

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Preliminary analysis of 643 breast cancer patients from northern Alberta (1971-1973).
• Study serves as a precursor to establishing a comprehensive breast cancer registry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify significant factors related to breast cancer clinical stage.
• To lay the groundwork for a robust breast cancer registry in Alberta.
• To inform future research on breast cancer risk and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patient data collected between 1971 and 1973.
• Statistical examination of demographic and clinical variables.
• Data collection by a consistent team of four individuals.

Main Results:

• Age at first treatment and menopausal status showed a significant correlation with clinical stage.
• Observed a decline in the utilization of radical mastectomy procedures.
• Collected data included age at menarche and lymph node involvement.

Conclusions:

• The comprehensive breast registry has a high probability of success due to compulsory registration.
• The registry will facilitate identification of high-risk groups and assessment of treatment modalities.
• Findings highlight the importance of demographic factors in breast cancer staging.