The Auckland Breast Cancer Register: a special project of the Auckland Breast Cancer Study Group.

Abstract

The Auckland Breast Cancer Register (ABCR) has been established in response to the need for a comprehensive database of breast cancer cases from the Auckland area.The database records patient demographics, diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis and long-term outcome (annual follow up). Data from 1204 cases, recorded between June 2000 and June 2002 are reported.The major findings are that 34% of women had breast cancer detected by screening only (47% in the group eligible for free screening within the Breast Screen Aotearoa screening programme); 84% of patients had invasive carcinoma; 13% had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); and 3% fine needle aspiration only. Forty nine per cent of invasive tumours were < or =2 cm. Grade 3 tumours were found in 53% of patients under 40 years old compared with 26.8% 40 years or older. Mastectomy was performed in 56% of patients with invasive cancer and 33% of those with DCIS. Axillary surgery was performed in 94% of patients with invasive cancer and 39% had involved nodes. Seventy nine per cent of patients were referred for an opinion from an oncologist. Radiotherapy was given to 77% of these patients, chemotherapy to 33%, and hormone therapy to 57%.The ABCR will provide essential healthcare information that will lead to better understanding of breast cancer in Auckland and more effective delivery of the clinical resources available in the Auckland region.