1.Breast Cancer Histology Profile: A Six-year Survey of Breast Cancer Histology Samples in Fiji (2009 to 2014)
Fiji Medical Journal 2020;24(3):79-84
Introduction:
Breast cancer is a major health problem in Fiji. There are very few literature found on breast cancer in the Pacific. This study aims to provide a platform for future studies on breast cancer, by describing the demographics of breast cancer in Fiji, based on histological reports analysis.
Method:
This was a retrospective study of histologically-diagnosed breast cancer specimens in Fiji between 2009 and 2014. Histological reports of the eligible samples were screened and information regarding the following variables were collected and analysed.
Results:
Breast cancer cases are increasing over the years. There are 840 breast cancer cases noted, 20 of which were from male patients and 817 from females. The Ethnic group distribution shows 481 samples from the iTaukei Ethnic group, 327 samples were from the Fijian-of-Indian Descent (FID) group. Breast cancer is seen throughout all age groups, however majority of the cases are distributed between the age of 30 and 70 years. The majority of the Tumour sizes falls in between 2cm and 5cm. Grade 2 is the commonest grade that we see and there are usually more than 3 lymph nodes involved. The left and right breast have similar occurrence for cancer. There is an increase of Positive ER and PR cases. More ITaukei in the Central/Eastern division are diagnosed with Breast cancer, whilst there are more FID in the Western division diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer incidence is 54.9/100000 population and this is lower than figures from Australia (118/100000) USA (125/100000) and UK (164/100000).
Conclusion
There is an increase in breast cancer cases in Fiji. The incidence of breast cancer is lower than figures from developed countries. People living in rural areas have lower incidence of developing breast cancer. Incomplete histology report is a problem in Fiji. Further studies need to be carried out, to profile each variable in detail.