Retrospective, 5-year Surgical Audit Comparing Breast Cancer in Indigenous and Non-indigenous Women in Far North Queensland

Background: Breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Aboriginal women after cervical and lung cancer.

Methods: A retrospective 5-year surgical audit comparing breast cancer in indigenous and non-indigenous women in Far North Queensland was undertaken.

Results: The mean age at diagnosis was similar for indigenous (54.0 years) and non-indigenous (55.4 years) women. Indigenous women presented with slightly larger tumours (mean 32.2 mm vs 23 mm; P = 0.07). More indigenous women had involved lymph nodes (P = 0.03). Despite larger tumour size, indigenous women were considered suitable for breast conservation surgery at a rate similar to the non-indigenous population.

Conclusions: Indigenous women present with more advanced breast cancer in Far North Queensland despite similar detection rates among the screened indigenous and non-indigenous population. Indigenous women received similar rates of breast conservation surgery. Differences in mortality rates will require further study.