Incidence and mortality of female breast cancer in the Asia-Pacific region

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of the incidence and mortality of female breast cancer for countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Methods: Statistical information about breast cancer was obtained from publicly available cancer registry and mortality databases (such as GLOBOCAN), and supplemented with data requested from individual cancer registries. Rates were directly age-standardised to the Segi World Standard population and trends were analysed using joinpoint models.

Results: Breast cancer was the most common type of cancer among females in the region, accounting for 18% of all cases in 2012, and was the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths (9%). Although incidence rates remain much higher in New Zealand and Australia, rapid rises in recent years were observed in several Asian countries. Large increases in breast cancer mortality rates also occurred in many areas, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, in contrast to stabilising trends in Hong Kong and Singapore, while decreases have been recorded in Australia and New Zealand. Mortality trends tended to be more favourable for women aged under 50 compared to those who were 50 years or older.

Conclusion: It is anticipated that incidence rates of breast cancer in developing countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region will continue to increase. Early detection and access to optimal treatment are the keys to reducing breast cancer-related mortality, but cultural and economic obstacles persist. Consequently, the challenge is to customise breast cancer control initiatives to the particular needs of each country to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Keywords: Asia-Pacific region; epidemiology; female breast cancer; incidence; mortality.

Figure 1

Breast cancer incidence, mortality and mortality rate: incidence rate ratio (MR:IR) for Asia-Pacific countries, 2012. Notes: Rates were age-standardised to the World Standard Population and expressed per 100,000 females. All categories were based on quintiles. Data source: GLOBOCAN.

Figure 2

Age-specific incidence rates of breast cancer among selected countries, 2004-2008. Notes: Data was for 2004-2008 except for Philippines (2004-2007) and Thailand (2003-2007). Data for Philippines available to ages 80+. Data sources: Australia—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; Hong Kong—Hong Kong Cancer Registry; Japan—Center for Cancer Control and Information Services; Philippines (Manila) and Thailand (Chiang Mai)—International Association of Cancer Registries.

Figure 3

Breast cancer incidence rate trends for selected Asia-Pacific countries, 1980–2011. Notes: Y-axis is shown on a log scale. Rates were age-standardised to the World Standard Population, and expressed per 100,000 female population. Years available differ by country, and sometimes by age groups. Singapore data was only available for residents of Chinese ethnicity. Data sources: Australia—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; China—Shanghai Cancer Registry; Hong Kong—Hong Kong Cancer Registry; Japan—Center for Cancer Control and Information Services; New Zealand—Ministry of Health; Philippines—Manila Cancer Registry; Singapore—National Cancer Centre Singapore; Thailand—Chiang Mai Cancer Registry^,.

Figure 4

Breast cancer mortality rate trends for selected Asia-Pacific countries, 1980-2011. Notes: Y-axis is shown on a log scale. Rates were age-standardised to the World Standard Population, and expressed per 100,000 female population. Years available differ by country. Data source: World Health Organization.