Ethnic Differences in Breast Cancer Rates in Singapore
Author Information
Author(s): Sim Xueling, Ali R Ayesha, Wedren Sara, Goh Denise Li-Meng, Tan Chuen-Seng, Reilly Marie, Hall Per, Chia Kee-Seng
Primary Institution: Centre for Molecular Epidemiology, National University of Singapore
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore the differences in breast cancer incidence trends among Chinese, Malays, and Indians in Singapore from 1968 to 2002.
Conclusion
The study found that breast cancer incidence trends differ significantly among the three ethnic groups, likely due to variations in exposure to risk factors and reproductive patterns.
Supporting Evidence
- From 1968 to 2002, breast cancer incidence in Singapore increased almost three-fold.
- Indian women had the highest breast cancer rates in the 1970s, but by the mid-1980s, Chinese women had the highest rates.
- The study found that fertility rates and age at first birth are associated with breast cancer incidence.
Takeaway
This study shows that different ethnic groups in Singapore have different rates of breast cancer, which might be linked to their lifestyles and childbearing habits.
Methodology
The study used age-period-cohort modeling to analyze breast cancer incidence data from the Singapore Cancer Registry.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias due to incomplete data reporting and variations in healthcare access among ethnic groups.
Limitations
The study is limited by the retrospective nature of the data and potential confounding factors not accounted for.
Participant Demographics
Participants included women aged 25 to 79 from three ethnic groups: Chinese, Malays, and Indians.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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