INCIDENCE OF PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER IN A TWO-YEAR PERIOD
Keywords:
breast cancer, nursing, morbidityAbstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, but it is not limited to them — men can also get this type of cancer, although much less frequently. The disease begins when cells in the breast tissue begin to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but some risk factors are known, such as genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, radiation exposure, age, family history of cancer, and other health conditions. In many cases, breast cancer can develop without any obvious symptoms, making regular preventive care and screening crucial.
Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the incidence of breast cancer in the Republic of North Macedonia, over a period of two years.
Materials and methods: Data on the status of breast cancer were obtained from the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia. Patients with diagnosed breast cancer were included. The obtained data were systematized and presented graphically.
Results: In 2023, 682 patients with diagnosed breast cancer were admitted to the PHI Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery. Of these, 633 (92.82%) underwent surgery. In 2024, 721 patients were admitted, of which 629 (87.24%) underwent surgery. According to the division of patients by age group in 2023, the largest number of patients are aged 61-70 years, and in 2024, the age is more than 71 years.
Conclusion: Today, thanks to advances in medicine, breast cancer can be detected at an early stage, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Early detection allows the application of various therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy, which can help cure or control the disease. In addition, the care of such patients is very important, as is psychological support for patients and their families, since facing breast cancer can be emotionally exhausting. Improved support techniques and advice on coping with the disease, as well as efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer, play a key role in improving the quality of life of patients and their loved ones.
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