Anthony P Polednak1. 1. Connecticut Tumor Registry, Department of Public Health, 419 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134-0308, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The frequency of bilateral synchronous breast cancer (BSBC) is reportedly about 1%-3%, but there is limited information from population-based cancer registries regarding the clinical and prognostic features of these cancers. METHODS: The population-based Connecticut Tumor Registry (CTR), which is part of the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of registries, was used to identify BSBC (ie, a second cancer diagnosed within 3 months of the first). Information was obtained on the method of detection of BSBC, and clinical characteristics and survival (through 2000) were compared with unilateral cases. RESULTS: Of 15,542 patients reported to the CTR, 300 (1.9%) had BSBC. BSBC was detected most often by mammography of both breasts (35%) or contralateral mammography after a palpable first cancer (18%). Compared to unilateral cases, BSBC patients did not differ in age or stage at diagnosis, but lobular histology was statistically significantly more frequent and use of total mastectomy (vs lesser surgery) was more common. Although length of follow-up was limited, risk of death was statistically, significantly higher among BSBC than unilateral patients. Among BSBC patients, risk of death was higher among those with cancers detected by breast exam/symptoms versus mammography. CONCLUSIONS; While uncommon, BSBCs differ from unilateral cancer in histology and survival, and their study emphasizes the opportunity for detection of contralateral cancers at an early stage.
BACKGROUND: The frequency of bilateral synchronous breast cancer (BSBC) is reportedly about 1%-3%, but there is limited information from population-based cancer registries regarding the clinical and prognostic features of these cancers. METHODS: The population-based Connecticut Tumor Registry (CTR), which is part of the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of registries, was used to identify BSBC (ie, a second cancer diagnosed within 3 months of the first). Information was obtained on the method of detection of BSBC, and clinical characteristics and survival (through 2000) were compared with unilateral cases. RESULTS: Of 15,542 patients reported to the CTR, 300 (1.9%) had BSBC. BSBC was detected most often by mammography of both breasts (35%) or contralateral mammography after a palpable first cancer (18%). Compared to unilateral cases, BSBCpatients did not differ in age or stage at diagnosis, but lobular histology was statistically significantly more frequent and use of total mastectomy (vs lesser surgery) was more common. Although length of follow-up was limited, risk of death was statistically, significantly higher among BSBC than unilateral patients. Among BSBCpatients, risk of death was higher among those with cancers detected by breast exam/symptoms versus mammography. CONCLUSIONS; While uncommon, BSBCs differ from unilateral cancer in histology and survival, and their study emphasizes the opportunity for detection of contralateral cancers at an early stage.
Authors: Jeffrey N Weitzel; John Kidd; Ryan Bernhisel; Susan Shehayeb; Paul Frankel; Kathleen R Blazer; Diana Turco; Bita Nehoray; Kim McGreevy; Kira Svirsky; Krystal Brown; Anna Gardiner; Mary Daly; Elisha Hughes; Shelly Cummings; Jennifer Saam; Thomas P Slavin Journal: Breast Cancer Res Treat Date: 2021-04-07 Impact factor: 4.624