Breast cancer in the north of Jordan with special emphasis on descriptive epidemiology

ABSTRACT

To study the epidemiology of breast cancer in Jordan [as a model for Middle East countries] and compare it with western figures. This may clarify the effect of environmental factors on the incidence, age distribution, and to a lesser extent the etiology of breast cancer. One hundred and nineteen female patients treated for breast cancer at Princess Basma Teaching Hospital between 1992 and 1997 were reviewed retrospectively regarding pertinent epidemiological and clinical features. Incidence was 11/100,000/year. Mean age at presentation was 49 years. In the population as a whole the mean age at first birth was 22.3 years. Stages III and IV constituted 34% of the cases. The ratio of axillary nodal involvement was 60%. The mean duration of symptoms was 8.3 months. In Jordan [like other Middle East countries] breast cancer is rare, affecting women at a remarkably young age. This is mostly a reflection of the high percentage of young people in these communities. This high portion of young people may also explain the low incidence since the incidence of breast cancer is known to increase with age. Tendency toward having the first child at a young age, Arabian dietary habits with a high vitamin C and B-carotene content, and to a lesser extent abstinence from alcohol and smoking are other factors which may be responsible for reducing breast cancer risk in the area. The percentage of late breast cancer is high, reflecting the need for active screening and education programs