Sociodemographic Scenario of Female Patients with Breast Cancer: Bangladesh Perspective

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the leading malignancy among women worldwide, and in Bangladesh, it presents a significant public health concern. The sociodemographic factors such as age, marital status, contraceptive use, and reproductive history have a profound impact on breast cancer incidence, diagnosis, and outcomes. This study examines these characteristics among Bangladeshi female breast cancer patients to provide insights into the unique epidemiological trends in this region. Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of Bangladeshi female breast cancer patients and compare the findings with other global and regional studies. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 50 female breast cancer patients diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. The patients were selected from the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital in Dhaka, and their sociodemographic data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Data on age, marital status, contraceptive use, and reproductive history were analyzed and compared with findings from other studies. Results: Among the 50 patients, the majority (64%) were aged 31-50 years, while 28% were between 51-70 years. Only 8% of the patients were aged 18-30, and there were no patients in the 71-90 age group. The majority of the patients (96%) were married, while only 4% were single. History of contraceptive use was reported by 68% of the patients. The study revealed a pattern of early menarche, high parity, and extended breastfeeding, aligning with other LMICs' trends but differing from patterns seen in high-income countries. Conclusion: The sociodemographic profile of breast cancer patients in Bangladesh mirrors patterns seen in other low- and middle-income countries, with younger women comprising the majority of cases. Factors such as early marriage, contraceptive use, and reproductive history play a significant role in the risk of developing breast cancer. These findings ...........