Cancer of the breast in philadelphia hospitals 1951‐1964

Abstract

A registry for cancer of the breast maintained by the Philadelphia County Medical Society from 1951 through 1964 enrolled 9003 patients. Analysis of a 10% random sample of the cases indicates that the series resembles other large registers regarding average age, symptomatology, frequency of delay, and 5‐year survival. Groups in which a relatively high proportion of patients showed delay were older patients, non‐Caucasians, men, pregnant women, and patients with simultaneous bilateral carcinoma. Several groups were compared for 5‐year survival. Survival was poor for women less than 35 years of age compared with other age groups. Observed survival was poorer in men than women, but relative survival rates were similar. The main determinant of survival was stage at diagnosis. However, several histologic subtypes, particularly the colloid, intraductal, and lobular carcinomas, showed an advantage in 5‐year survival. The implications of the findings for control of mammary cancer are discussed. Copyright © 1969 American Cancer Society