Breast Cancer Trends in Hong Kong (1973-1999)
Author Information
Author(s): Leung G M, Thach T Q, Lam T-H, Hedley A J, Foo W, Fielding R, Yip P S F, Lau E M C, Wong C-M
Primary Institution: University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
Can the difference in breast cancer incidence between Caucasian women and their Chinese counterparts be explained by lifestyle and behavioral factors?
Conclusion
The study found that breast cancer incidence in Hong Kong has been increasing, primarily due to cohort effects linked to westernization.
Supporting Evidence
- The average annual percent change of breast cancer incidence was 3.6% from 1973 to 1999.
- Incidence rates increased across all age groups except for those aged 60-69.
- Most of the observed changes in incidence rates were attributed to cohort effects.
Takeaway
Breast cancer rates in Hong Kong are going up, especially among younger women, likely because of lifestyle changes as the region becomes more westernized.
Methodology
The study analyzed breast cancer incidence data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry using age-period-cohort modeling.
Potential Biases
Bias due to under-reporting in earlier periods and the voluntary nature of cancer notification.
Limitations
The completeness of cancer registration may have been less reliable in earlier years, potentially affecting the data.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in Hong Kong.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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