| title: | Risk factors for late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer in Estonia |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF5439 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
3. Medical Sciences |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | Estonian Institute of Experimental & Clinical Medicine |
| head of project: | Mare Tekkel |
| duration: | 01.01.2003 - 31.12.2006 |
| description: | The objectives of this epidemiological study are: 1. On the basis of database of Estonian Cancer Registry analyse time trends in the distribution of breast cancer stage at diagnosis in Estonia, and the effect of age and place of residence. 2. To study patient-related and health care system-related risk factors for late stage breast cancer in Estonia. In this part of the study, we will conduct a questionnaire study that will include all incident cases of primary breast cancer diagnosed in women at the oncology clinics of Tallinn and Tartu from September 1, 2003 to August 31, 2005.The data will be analysed using logistic regression with stage at diagnosis as the outcome variable. The proposed study is the first, aimed at the identification of risk factors for late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer in Estonia. Our hypotheses are mainly related to lack of mammography use and delay from the first symptoms to the visit to oncologist, as well as several social factors and known risk factors of breast cancer that may have an effect on the knowledge and health behaviour of women. Groups of women that should be targeted in screening programs and preventive breast cancer programs as well as problems in the health care system that may cause delay in breast cancer diagnosis will be identified. A significant outcome of the study is obtaining scientific evidence that is absolutely essential for developing effective screening programs and other programs that are aimed at increasing the knowledge of women of breast cancer risk. The results of the proposed study will also have international relevance since they will provide information on factors that influence late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer in a country without public screening programs (most previous studies have been conducted in countries where screening has been in use for years). |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Kaire Innos | IECM | researcher | |
| 2. | Mall Leinsalu | IECM, Stockholm University | researcher, doctoral student | |
| 3. | Mare Tekkel | Estonian Institute of Experimental & Clinical Medicine | senior researcher | |