Double-Peaked Mortality in Asian Breast Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Gao Fei, Tan Say Beng, Machin David, Wong Nan Soon
Primary Institution: National Cancer Centre, Singapore
Hypothesis
Are there differences in the mortality hazard function between Western breast cancer patients and their Asian counterparts?
Conclusion
The study confirms a double-peaked mortality hazard pattern in Asian breast cancer patients, supporting the tumor dormancy hypothesis after mastectomy.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified a double-peaked mortality hazard pattern in 2105 women.
- The first peak in mortality occurred between 2 and 4 years after mastectomy.
- A second peak in mortality was observed during year 9.
- The double-peaked pattern was consistent across various subgroups, including hormone receptor status.
Takeaway
This study found that breast cancer patients in Asia have two times when they are most likely to die after surgery, which is similar to findings in Western patients.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study analyzing mortality patterns in female unilateral breast cancer patients diagnosed in Singapore.
Limitations
The study lacked access to recurrence data and did not account for the impact of adjuvant tamoxifen in the mastectomy alone group.
Participant Demographics
The cohort consisted of 2105 female patients, predominantly Chinese (86.5%), with varying menopausal status and tumor characteristics.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval 1.21–2.08 for Malay women compared to Chinese.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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