Survival Rate of Breast Cancer Patients In Malaysia: A Population-based Study

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Malaysian women. Other than hospital-based results, thereare no documented population-based survival rates of Malaysian women for breast cancers. This populationbasedretrospective cohort study was therefore conducted. Data were obtained from Health Informatics Centre,Ministry of Health Malaysia, National Cancer Registry and National Registration Department for the periodfrom 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2005. Cases were captured by ICD-10 and linked to death certificates toidentify the status. Only complete data were analysed. Survival time was calculated from the estimated date ofdiagnosis to the date of death or date of loss to follow-up. Observed survival rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method using SPSS Statistical Software version 17. A total of 10,230 complete data sets were analysed.The mean age at diagnosis was 50.6 years old. The overall 5-year survival rate was 49% with median survivaltime of 68.1 months. Indian women had a higher survival rate of 54% compared to Chinese women (49%) andMalays (45%). The overall 5-year survival rate of breast cancer patient among Malaysian women was still lowfor the cohort of 2000 to 2005 as compared to survival rates in developed nations. Therefore, it is necessary toenhance the strategies for early detection and intervention.