title: Breast Cancer in Surat Thani, a Province in Southern Thailand: Analysis of 2004-2012 Incidence and Future Trends.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With the recent epidemiologic transition in Thailand, featuring decreasing incidences of infectious diseases along with increasing rates of chronic conditions, cancer is becoming a serious problem for the country. Breast cancer has the highest incidence rates among females, not only in the southern regions, but throughout Thailand. Surat Thani is a province in the upper part of Southern Thailand. A study was needed to identify the current burden, and the future trends of breast cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here we used cancer incidence data from the Surat Thani Cancer Registry to characterize the incidences of breast cancer. Joinpoint analysis was used to investigate the incidences in the province from 2004 to 2012 and to project future trends from 2013 to 2030.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Age-standardized incidence rates (world) of breast cancer in the upper parts of Southern Thailand increased from 35.1 to 59.2 cases per 100,000 female population, which is equivalent to an annual percentage change of 4.5-4.8%. Linear drift effects played a role in shaping the increase of incidence. Joinpoint projection suggested that incidence rates would continue to increase in the future with incidence for women aged 50 and above, at a higher rate than for women below the age of 50.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current early detection measures increase detection rates of early disease. Preparation of a budget for treatment facilities and human resources, both in surgical and medical oncology, is essential.
authors.affiliation: Surat Thani Cancer Hospital, Surat Thani, Thailand E-mail : hutcha.s@psu.ac.th.
authors.forename: Sukit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tassanasunthornwong
authors.forename: Wasan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chansaard
authors.forename: Hutcha
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sriplung
authors.forename: Surichai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bilheem
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D013219:State Government; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult