Epidemiological situation of breast cancer in Spain

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in Europe. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, there were an estimated 429,900 cases diagnosed in Europe in 2006, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 110 cases per 100,000 women. It is also the most frequent cancer in Spanish women, accounting for one forth of female cancer cases, and its incidence is increasing around 2-3% per year. Changes in reproductive behaviour and life style along with the introduction of hormone replacement therapy are partially responsible of this trend. Our country, with an estimated age-standardised incidence rate of 93.6 cases per 100,000 women-year in 2006, occupies an intermediate position between Western and Eastern European countries. This tumour also represents an important cause of female mortality. In 2005, it caused 5,703 deaths in Spanish women, with an age-standardised mortality rate of 18.6 per 100,000 women-year. However, since the 90’s, breast cancer mortality is declining thanks to earlier diagnosis derived from population screening programs and to therapeutical advances. In Spain this downward trend has started in 1993, declining a 2.4% per year. In Europe, 5-year global survival is close to 79%, lower than EEUU survival estimates (90%). Breast cancer survival has risen in recent years. In Spain, 5-year survival is around 83%, significantly higher than European average.