Female breast cancers are getting smaller, but socio‐demographic differences remain

摘要: Objective:To investigate trends towards early detection of infiltrating ductal carcinomas, possible effects on patients' prognosis, and characteristics women still at high risk late detection. Methods:South Australian Cancer Registry data were analysed to compare breast tumour diameters for the 1980–86 1997–2002 diagnostic periods by age. Relative survivals compared with corresponding survival estimates 1997–2000, obtained weighting diameter-specific equate diameter distribution 1997–2002. Multivariable logistic regression was used determine socio-demographic predictors large (≤30 mm) in 1997–2002. Results:The proportion tumours smaller than 15 mm increased from 13.0% 36.7% 1997–2002, whereas reduced 43.0% 18.6%. Estimated changes 20-year equated a 33% reduction breast-cancer mortality among patients aged 50–69 years diagnosis. Data indicate that diagnosis is not evenly distributed, more common age ranges outside year target mammography screening; low socio-economic areas; non-Caucasians; born northern/eastern Europe potentially Asia/Middle East; some country locations. Conclusions implications:Increased emphasis should be directed sectors population where delays poorer prognosis are evident. Projected reductions indicative earlier but require confirmation follow-up data. More particularly, parallel studies population-based warranted.