(Open access funding provided by Semmelweis University)
Examining the distribution of breast cancer (BC) stage and molecular subtype among
women aged below (< 45 years), within (45-65 years), and above (> 65 years) the recommended
screening age range helps to understand the screening program's characteristics and
contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of BC screening programs.In this retrospective
study, female patients with newly diagnosed BC from 2010 to 2020 were identified.
The distribution of cases in terms of TNM stages, severity classes, and subtypes was
analysed according to age groups.A total of 3282 women diagnosed with BC were included
in the analysis. Among these cases 51.4% were detected outside the screening age group,
and these were characterized by a higher TNM stage compared to those diagnosed within
the screening age band. We observed significantly higher relative frequency of advanced
BC in the older age group compared to both the screening age population and women
younger than 45 years (14.9% vs. 8.7% and 7.7%, P < 0.001). HR-/HER2- and HER+ tumours
were relatively more frequent among women under age 45 years (HR-/HER2-: 23.6%, HER2+:
20.5%) compared to those within the screening age range (HR-/HER2-: 13.4%, HER2+:
13.9%) and the older age group (HR-/HER2-: 10.4%, HER2+: 11.5%).The findings of our
study shed light on potential areas for the improvement of BC screening programs (e.g.,
extending screening age group, adjusting screening frequency based on molecular subtype
risk status) in Hungary and internationally, as well.
