The occurrence of invasive cancers following a diagnosis of breast carcinoma in situ
2008

Breast Cancer Risk After Carcinoma In Situ

Sample size: 12836 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Robinson D, Holmberg L, Møller H

Primary Institution: Thames Cancer Registry, King's College London

Hypothesis

What is the occurrence of invasive cancers following a diagnosis of breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS)?

Conclusion

Women diagnosed with breast carcinoma in situ have an increased risk of subsequent invasive breast and uterine cancers, particularly after hormonal therapy.

Supporting Evidence

  • A greater than expected number of subsequent cancers was found for breast and corpus uteri.
  • The risk of subsequent uterine cancer was significantly increased in women receiving hormonal therapy.
  • Radiotherapy reduced the risk of subsequent ipsilateral breast cancer.

Takeaway

If a woman is diagnosed with a certain type of breast cancer called BCIS, she might have a higher chance of getting other cancers later, especially if she takes certain treatments.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the Thames Cancer Registry for women diagnosed with BCIS between 1971 and 2003, calculating standardised incidence ratios for subsequent cancers.

Potential Biases

There may be under-ascertainment of treatment and potential detection bias due to increased surveillance.

Limitations

The study relied on registry data, which may have incomplete treatment information and underreporting of second cancers.

Participant Demographics

The mean age at diagnosis was 57 years, with 86% having intraductal BCIS.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.11–1.78 for uterine cancer; 95% CI 1.79–2.14 for breast cancer

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604524

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