Features of Breast Cancer in Iranian-born Migrant Women Treated in Australia

Background: While there is much information available about breast cancer inAustralia overall, less is known about breast cancer in immigrant women andspecifically Iranian-born women. Understanding this group is important toprovide appropriate screening, treatment and support interventions. The aim ofthis study was to describe breast cancer presentation, tumour and treatmentcharacteristics in Iranian-born women in Australia. Methods: Women were eligible for this retrospective audit if treated for breastmalignancy with country of birth recorded. Demographic, tumour and surgicaldata were extracted and analysed. Data for Iranian-born women were compared todata for Australian-born (comparison group ۱) and women born in countries otherthan Australia or Iran (comparison group ۲, referred to as ‘other’). Results: ۲۰۸۶ women were eligible: Iranian-born n=۲۷, Australian-bornn=۸۹۴ and Other n=۱۱۶۵. Iranian-born women were younger, mean age of ۵۳.۹(five years younger in overall mean, SD ۱۱.۹۸, F=۳.۱۷۱, p=۰.۰۴۲). Iranian-bornwomen were significantly less likely to present with a screen-detected cancer (X۲=۱۱.۴۸۱, p=۰.۰۰۳) and more likely to have a high-grade cancer (X۲=۱۴.۳۸۳,p=۰.۰۰۶). There was no difference in mastectomy rate (X۲=۱.۶۹۸, p=۰.۴۲۸). Conclusions: Iranian-born women treated for breast cancer in Australia wereyounger, had higher-grade tumours and were less likely to have a screen-detectedcancer than Australian-born women or women born in other countries. Strategiesto encourage screening participation in Iranian-born women are required. Supportfor these women is required as they are more likely to receive toxic treatments(chemotherapy and extended adjuvant endocrine therapy) due to younger age andhigher grade tumours.

Keywords:

Breast neoplasms , Iran , Australia , immigrants , surgical oncology