Breast Cancer in Bangladesh: Demographic details, Risk factors, Diagnostic Procedures & Treatment Pattern

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in both the developed and the developing world. In Bangladesh, breast cancer patients are increasing day by day. In our study it was found that out of 30 patients all were female as no male patients were identified in our country till now during the study period. The age distribution of the patients was from 21 - 60 years but 41 - 50 was predominant. Highest no of patients, i.e. 66.67% were living in urban areas & were belonging at lower middle class of families & 70% of the total population were housewives. The common risk factors identified were diet (80%), period at younger age (53.33%) & family history of any cancer (40%). We also found that stage II breast cancer was severely prevalent in our country, i.e. 66.67% with a common symptom of lump in breast & axillary region was shown 100%. 83.33% affected patients were treated with mastectomy followed by radiation therapy at a percentage of 53.33%. The patients were significantly treated with antibiotic ceftrlaoxne about 26.67% along with analgesic ketorolac (36.67%), gastrointestinal pantoprazole (66.67%) after their surgery. Radiation therapy was followed by surgery in most of the patients. The common chemotherapeutic combinations were 5 - Flurouracil (FU), Cyclophosphamide & Methotrexate (23.33%). Besides these sedative bromazepam (26.67%), antihistamine desloratidine (26.67%), multivitamin preparation (83.33%), antiemetic domperidone (50%) were also prescribed. 90% patients were suffering from fever after their treatment as a side effect along with poor appetite (73%) whereas 60% patients who were taking chemotherapy were suffering from alopecia.