Alexandre Bodmer1, Anita Feller2, Andrea Bordoni3, Christine Bouchardy4, Silvia Dehler5, Silvia Ess6, Fabio Levi7, Isabelle Konzelmann8, Elisabetta Rapiti4, Annik Steiner9, Kerri M Clough-Gorr10. 1. University Hospital Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. 2. National Institute for Cancer Epidemiology and Registration (NICER), Seilergraben 49, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, 3012 Bern, Switzerland. Electronic address: anita.feller@nicer.org. 3. Ticino Cancer Registry, Institute of Pathology, 6600 Locarno 1, Switzerland. 4. Geneva Cancer Registry, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Bd de la Cluse 55, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland. 5. Cancer Registry of the Cantons Zurich and Zug, University Hospital Zurich, Vogelsangstrasse 10, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. 6. Cancer Registry St Gallen-Appenzell, Cancer League St. Gallen-Appenzell, Flurhofstr. 7, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland. 7. Neuchâtel Cancer Registry, Avenue des Cadolles 7, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Vaud Cancer Registry, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 10, 1010 Lausanne, Switzerland. 8. Valais Cancer Registry, Health Observatory Valais, Avenue Grand-Champsec 86, 1950 Sion, Switzerland. 9. SAKK Coordinating Center, Effingerstrasse 40, 3008 Bern, Switzerland. 10. Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Section of Geriatrics, Boston University Medical Center, 88 East Newton St., Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of death in younger women. METHODS: We analysed incidence, mortality and relative survival (RS) in women with BC aged 20-49 years at diagnosis, between 1996 and 2009 in Switzerland. Trends are reported as estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC). RESULTS: Our findings confirm a slight increase in the incidence of BC in younger Swiss women during the period 1996-2009. The increase was largest in women aged 20-39 years (EAPC 1.8%). Mortality decreased in both age groups with similar EAPCs. Survival was lowest among women 20-39 years (10-year RS 73.4%). We observed no notable differences in stage of disease at diagnosis that might explain these differences. CONCLUSIONS: The increased incidence and lower survival in younger women diagnosed with BC in Switzerland indicates possible differences in risk factors, tumour biology and treatment characteristics that require additional examination.
BACKGROUND:Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of death in younger women. METHODS: We analysed incidence, mortality and relative survival (RS) in women with BC aged 20-49 years at diagnosis, between 1996 and 2009 in Switzerland. Trends are reported as estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC). RESULTS: Our findings confirm a slight increase in the incidence of BC in younger Swiss women during the period 1996-2009. The increase was largest in women aged 20-39 years (EAPC 1.8%). Mortality decreased in both age groups with similar EAPCs. Survival was lowest among women 20-39 years (10-year RS 73.4%). We observed no notable differences in stage of disease at diagnosis that might explain these differences. CONCLUSIONS: The increased incidence and lower survival in younger women diagnosed with BC in Switzerland indicates possible differences in risk factors, tumour biology and treatment characteristics that require additional examination.