Breast Cancer: A 50-year Review of 2,677 Cases

Yoo, Dae Woo; Lee, Chung Han

Abstract

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is increasing in Korea. and it has become the second most common cancer in females. This study reviewed the history of surgery and clinical analysis with follow up result on 2,677 cases of breast cancer operated at the Gospel Hospital during the 50-year period 1951 to 2000 was performed.
METHODS
We reviewed breast cancer cases by operative record datas and previous reports of our hospital during the 50-year period.
RESULTS
Minimal age was 14 years old and Maximal age was 90 years old in all cases. The total count of operation was 2,677 cases during the 50-year period (1951~2000). In 1951, the hospital was opened. In 1953, 52-year old female was operated by mammary amputation. In 1958, 47-year old female was operated by radical mastectomy. In 1976, 50-year old female was operated by modified radical mastectomy. Since 1996, radical mastectomy has not been operated any more. Radical mastectomy was performed in 234 cases (8.7%), modified radical mastectomy in 2,164 cases (81.0%), simple mastectomy in 79 cases (3.0%), partial mastectomy with axillary dissection in 90 cases (3.4%), wide excision in 110 cases (4.0%) Overall 5 year survival rate was 41.5% (1970~1982), 79.0% (1983~1993), 82.3% (1994~2000).
CONCLUSION
This study shows the fact that the incidence of breast cancer is increasing and the minimal age is getting younger and the maximal age is getting older. The treatment for breast cancer is changing according to the period. also it will be developing.