Showing papers by "Catherine Kennedy published in 1998"

Carcinoma of the male breast: a review and recommendations for management

Abstract: Background: Male breast cancer is rare and experience of it in any single institution is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presentation, management and outcome of male patients with breast cancer treated at Concord Repatriation General Hospital hospital over a 38-year period and to determine a best-practice protocol based on the results and a review of the literature. Methods: A total of 42 patients were retrospectively reviewed, pathology slides were re-examined and reclassified where necessary. Outcome was assessed and compared with results obtained from a literature review. Results: A trend towards less radical surgery has emerged. Overall 5-year survival was 50%, but, due to the late age at presentation, more than half the deaths were non-breast cancer related. One quarter of the patients presented with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Conclusions: The presentation, diagnosis pathology and outcome of breast cancer are similar in men and women, although the disease occurs at a later age in men. Radical surgery is not required in order to gain local control, but knowledge of axillary node status is important in determining prognosis and the need for adjuvant therapy.

Breast cancer outcomes at the Strathfield Breast Centre.

Abstract: Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the most common cause of cancer death in women. This report presents outcomes from a multidisciplinary breast clinic established in 1989 with the specific aim of providing a rapid, integrated assessment service for patients with breast disease. Methods: A prospective data collection and analysis using a Microsoft AccessTM (Microsoft Corp., North Ryde, NSW, Australia) database was established and has collected information on all patients presenting for diagnosis or ongoing management of breast cancer. Data on survival were obtained by routine follow-up visits or contact with the patient'general practitioner. Results: Patient age, mode of presentation and histopathology were similar to other population-based studies in Australia. Ninety-three per cent of the patients had a diagnosis confirmed on the day of consultation. The average time between diagnosis and surgery was 11.9 days. Breast preserving surgery was attempted in 68% and achieved in 50% of cases, 67% of patients had one stage surgery. Five-year disease-free survival was 74% and is comparable with other reports. Conclusions: The centralization of services and expertise has enabled us to provide efficient service and achieve internationally comparable outcomes.