By Dr. Sangay Wangmo
Abstract:
Introduction:
Breast cancer the most commonly diagnosed
cancer among women world-wide and also the leading cause of
cancer deaths globally. Although the incidence is higher in the
developed countries as compared to developing countries,
morbidity and mortality related to BC is higher in the
developing countries. In Bhutan, it is the third commonest
cancer and is noted to be rising in incidence.
Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the
clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with breast
cancer managed at the National Referral Hospital between the
years 2021 to 2024.
Method and results:
This is a cross-sectional study with
retrospective review of records of a total of 130 patients, 128
females (98.46%) and 2 males (1.54%) diagnosed with breast
cancer. The mean age was 51.12 (+_ 12) years and the overall
crude prevalence was 30.36 per 100,000 population. It was
observed that most of breast cancer patients were either
overweight (37.5%) or obese (34.48%) and alcohol was the
most commonly used illicit substance (13.85%). The majority
of the patients presented with stage II (39.78%) and stage III
(38.71%) breast cancer. The most common treatment
performed was modified radical mastectomy (80.81%) while
12.12 % received palliative care. However only one third of the
breast cancer patients received chemotherapy (55.36%) with
radiotherapy and hormonal therapy of 20% and 5.36%
respectively.
Conclusion:
Our current study shows high prevalence of
Breast cancer in Bhutan with majority of the cases presenting at
stage II and III disease thus requiring radical treatments. The
study confirms the need for improved awareness and screening
strategies to improve overall patient outcomes