Survival analysis of breast cancer patients in northwest Iran.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer among Iranian women; however limited studies have been conducted to address survival rates. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine survival rates in Tabriz (Northwest of Iran) and compare with those of data reported from other cities and countries. METHODS Survival rates were calculated for one, three, five, seven and ten years for 271 breast cancer patients referred to one university clinic during 1997-2008. RESULTS Survival analysis demonstrated a lower survival rate compared to western countries. CONCLUSIONS Survival rates for our patients are similar/better than other cities in Iran, but lower than certain European countries and the US. Further studies with a higher number of patients are now required.