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Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to determine the frequency of breast cancer among women presenting with breast lumps and to compare the frequency of breast cancer between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College (GMC), Sukkur, using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Women aged 18 to 55 years presenting with a breast lump, regardless of duration, were included, while pregnant women, those with a known malignancy, and those previously treated for cancer were excluded. After approval from the Institutional Review Board and CPSP IRB, eligible patients at the breast screening clinic were enrolled following informed consent. Baseline data, including age, residence, fasting blood sugar, weight, BMI, family income, lump duration, smoking status, and family history of breast cancer, were recorded using a structured proforma. Menstrual status was categorized as pre-menopausal or post-menopausal based on defined criteria. All participants underwent a biopsy to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis. Data on demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were systematically documented, enabling accurate assessment of breast cancer frequency and its association with relevant factors in the study population.
Results: Out of 219 women presenting with a breast lump, the majority (61.6%) were from urban areas, while 38.4% were from rural regions. The mean age was 42.2 ± 6.0 years, with an average weight of 53.1 ± 6.9 kg, height of 154.1 ± 7.2 cm, and BMI of 22.5 ± 3.6 kg/m². The average duration of the breast lump was 72.7 ± 22.8 days, ranging from 30 to 120 days. A positive family history of breast cancer was reported in 30.1% of participants, and breast cancer was diagnosed in 33.3% of the total sample. Among the participants, 60.3% were pre-menopausal and 39.7% post-menopausal. Additionally, 18.3% reported being current or past smokers. The mean family monthly income was PKR 68,995 ± 63,817, ranging from PKR 25,000 to 700,000. Breast cancer was significantly more common among urban women compared to rural women (p = 0.039). A highly significant association was observed with menopausal status, with post-menopausal women showing a higher frequency of cancer (p < 0.001). Smoking status was also significantly associated with breast cancer (p = 0.036), as was a positive family history (p = 0.029), highlighting the relevance of these risk factors in this population.
Conclusion: We also validate previously established risk factors of breast cancer, with the highest prevalence among women living in cities and post-menopausal, and also with smoking and family history. The earlier age of development than in Western populations indicates that specific screening, education, and resource distribution are required. Urban-rural differences and early diagnosis can be used to address the situation in such a setting.