[Epidemiological study of the GEICAM group about breast cancer in Spain (1990-1993): El Alamo project]

Abstract

Background and objective: The aim of the El Alamo project was to define the demographic and clinic characteristics, treatment and evolution of women with invasive breast cancer diagnosed in hospitals of the GEICAM group (Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group) between 1990 and 1993.

Patients and method: Data from 4,532 patients were included. Forms were completed according to the medical history of patients, and collected in the GEICAM scientific office, where they were added to a data base.

Results: 32 hospitals from 19 provinces and 11 regional communities participated in the study. Mean age of the 4,532 patients was 56.72 years, 1,428 (31.5%) were premenopausal and 2,988 (65.9%) were postmenopausal. Stage II tumors were most frequent (55.5%). Among patients with stage I, II and III at diagnosis, surgery was the first treatment in most (90.7%), radical mastectomy being the most frequent procedure performed (79.7%). 70.4% of 1941 patients with positive axillary node and 37.4% of 1,806 patients without axillary affection received adjuvant chemotherapy with or without hormone therapy.

Conclusions: El Alamo project represents the largest data base on breast cancer in Spain and the results are similar to those observed in other countries such as the USA.