Epidemiology, risk factors and tumor profiles of breast cancer in Bangladeshi underprivileged women

ABSTRACT

Similar to cancer statistics in developed countries, breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer-related death in the women population of Bangladesh particularly the poor and underprivileged. The objective of this study was to study the socio-demography, tumor patterns and risk factors that affect these women from Dhaka and Bangladesh in general. This cross-sectional study involved 250 patients who presented to NICRH, Dhaka for treatment. These patients were interviewed, physically examined and vital information were gathered using approved questionnaires. Various personal, social, reproductive and tumor related factors were recorded and analyzed. The mean age of the study group was 44.7 years, standard deviation [SD] was 9.82 [range 21-67], 87% have children, 57.2% were postmenopausal, 92% were housewives, 51.4% were illiterate, 62% attended 6 months after initiation of symptoms, 72% of the patients' yearly family income were less than US[dollar sign]1000/year. Almost 100% of the patients gave history of cooking from wooden fire source in the rural areas. In our study group, 79.7 percent women were within the group of BMI 20 kg/m[2]or more. Locally advanced breast cancer patients [T3 and T4] were 52.6%, axillary lymph node involvement was present in 80% of cases, 61.6 % patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In the elderly group [>40 years] Estrogen receptor was positive in 53.2% cases, 26.6% were Triple negative breast cancer patients. Women with poor socio-economic status and have none or low educational level are often victims of late presentation and tend to have a higher stage at diagnosis. Poverty, literacy and assorted risk factors have influenced the outcome of breast cancer cases among Bangladeshi women