Sinkende Mortalität bei steigender Inzidenz beim Mammakarzinom

Purpose: The incidence of breast cancer in Germany has been increasing for several decades, but mortality is declining. Current epidemiological data is analysed and possible causes are discussed. Material and Methods: Using data from the German Cancer Registry and from the Federal Statistical Office, the most recent figures were extracted and analysed. Results: The incidence of breast cancer increased by 50% from 1980 to 2004, and by 11% in the last ten years alone. Mortality slightly increased from 1980 to the mid 1990s and then started to fall continuously. In the last ten years, a 15% decline was observed. The decline in mortality was seen for all age groups and was strongest in the group of women younger than 55 years (decline of up to 37%). DISCUSSION: The increasing incidence of breast cancer could be caused by the rise of typical risk factors together with more intensive efforts at early detection. The decline in mortality could be attributed to improved therapies, especially as from 1980 to 1994 stage-specific survival rates distinctly improved. Additionally, in the last few years early detection has led to a more favourable tumour stage distribution.