Determining the most suitable target age-group for breast cancer screening in Samoa.

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is the second leading cause of non-communicable related deaths in Samoa, accounting for 15% of deaths after cardiovascular diseases.¹ Samoa’s incidence of cancer has increased from 28.5 per 100,000 in 2007 to 65.2 per 100,000 in 2016.² Samoans are at risk of various cancers, including breast, because of their high prevalence of major risk factors such as obesity, overweight, physical inactivity, alcohol and smoking.^3,4,5 Breast cancer is the most common cancer type in females,^2,6 and it is the leading cause of deaths from cancer among the Samoan female population.^1,7  

Methods: This was a retrospective study that analysed laboratory confirmed breast cancer cases diagnosed in the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital at the Clinical Laboratory from 20072020.

Findings/Outcomes measure: We found that breast cancer incidence has dramatically increased over the twelve-year period with an incidence rate of 8.0 per 100,000 in 2007 to 31.3 per 100,000 in 2020, and it is affecting women as young as 21 to 86 years old. 80% of breast cancer cases had their first diagnosis detected at age 45 years or older. We also observed that screening targeting women aged 4574 years based on the crude incidence rate would detect 74.6% of cases, and this would be suitable for Samoa considering the lack of screening for its female population and limited available resources.

Conclusions: It is undeniable that Samoa’s incidence rate for breast cancer is increasing. It is fundamental for Samoa to establish a population-based screening programme to enhance the early detection of breast cancer and equally important to develop a population-based national cancer registry to strengthen its cancer surveillance. Whether Samoa decides to follow a breast cancer screening programme based on mammography or physical examination, a well-defined age group must be determined.