Breast Cancer Treatment Trends in New South Wales
Author Information
Author(s): Kricker A, Haskill J, Armstrong B K
Primary Institution: National Breast Cancer Centre, NSW Cancer Council, Sydney, Australia
Hypothesis
What factors influence the uptake of breast conservation therapy (BCT) among women with breast cancer in New South Wales?
Conclusion
Breast conservation therapy increased from 39% in 1992 to 45% in 1995, particularly among women with smaller cancers.
Supporting Evidence
- Breast conservation therapy increased from 39% in 1992 to 45% in 1995.
- Mastectomy was more common in women with larger cancers.
- Urban women had fewer mastectomies than rural women.
- Axillary surgery was common and increased with cancer size.
Takeaway
More women in New South Wales are choosing to keep their breasts instead of having them removed when they have cancer, especially if their cancer is small.
Methodology
The study analyzed Cancer Registry records linked to surgical treatment data for women with breast cancer.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the reliance on linked data from registries and hospital records.
Limitations
The study relied on existing cancer registry data, which may not capture all treatment details.
Participant Demographics
Women with breast cancer in New South Wales, with a focus on urban versus rural differences.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.9–10.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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