Season of Tumor Detection and Breast Cancer Survival
Author Information
Author(s): B.H. Mason, I.M. Holdaway, A.W. Stewart, L.M. Neave, R.G. Kay
Primary Institution: University of Auckland
Hypothesis
Does the month of initial tumor detection affect survival rates in breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
Women who detect their breast cancer in spring or summer have significantly better survival rates than those who detect it at other times of the year.
Supporting Evidence
- Women aged > 50 years with ER-positive tumors detected in spring/summer had a 13% improvement in survival at 5 years.
- Premenopausal women with receptor-negative tumors found in spring/summer had a 26% improvement in survival at 5 years.
- Overall survival was significantly related to the season of initial tumor detection, independent of nodal and receptor status.
Takeaway
If a woman finds her breast cancer in spring or summer, she is likely to live longer than if she finds it in winter or autumn.
Methodology
The study recorded the month of tumor detection in 2,245 breast cancer patients and correlated it with survival over a follow-up period of 1.5-10 years.
Limitations
The study had a 3% loss to follow-up and did not account for patients with unknown nodal or receptor status.
Participant Demographics
The study included women with breast cancer, divided into age groups and receptor status.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Confidence Interval
1.07-1.47
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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