Retrospective, 5-year surgical audit comparing breast cancer in indigenous and non-indigenous women in Far North Queensland.
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Aboriginal women after cervical and lung cancer.


METHODS
A retrospective 5-year surgical audit comparing breast cancer in indigenous and non-indigenous women in Far North Queensland was undertaken.


RESULTS
The mean age at diagnosis was similar for indigenous (54.0 years) and non-indigenous (55.4 years) women. Indigenous women presented with slightly larger tumours (mean 32.2 mm vs 23 mm; P = 0.07). More indigenous women had involved lymph nodes (P = 0.03). Despite larger tumour size, indigenous women were considered suitable for breast conservation surgery at a rate similar to the non-indigenous population.


CONCLUSIONS
Indigenous women present with more advanced breast cancer in Far North Queensland despite similar detection rates among the screened indigenous and non-indigenous population. Indigenous women received similar rates of breast conservation surgery. Differences in mortality rates will require further study.
Shaw
Ian M
IM
Cairns Base Hospital, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. imshaw@bigpond.com
Elston
Timothy J
TJ
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies