Survival analysis of Malaysian women with breast cancer: results from the University of Malaya Medical Centre.

Background: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer amongst Malaysian women but local survival data are scarce. The present study was therefore conducted to assess overall survival and prognostic factors in Malaysian breast cancer patients.

Methods: The research sample was a prospective cohort of 413 patients diagnosed with breast cancer in the University of Malaya Medical Centre between 1993 to 1997.

Does a positive family history influence the presentation of breast cancer?

Introduction: An important risk factor for developing breast cancer is a positive family history of breast cancer. In Malaysia, there is no population-based breast screening programme, but the clinical practice guidelines suggest increased surveillance for those with a positive family history ie mammography for those 40 years old and above, breast self-examination and clinical breast examination yearly.

Objective: To determine if women with a family history of breast cancer present with earlier stages of disease.