Chronological changing patterns of clinical characteristics of Korean breast cancer patients during 10 years (1996-2006) using nationwide breast cancer registration on-line program: Biannual update

Background We performed this study to evaluate the chronological changes in Korean breast cancer characteristics and reproductive factors from 1996 to 2006. Materials and Methods We analyzed the chronological changes among newly diagnosed primary breast cancer patients recruited at 102 general hospitals. All participating hospitals provided the essential information through the nationwide on‐line registration program. Results Eleven thousand two hundred seventy five cases of breast cancer were newly diagnosed in 2006. The crude incidence rate of breast cancer of 2006 was 46 (average 47.0 ± 10.8) among 100,000 and the patient's median age was 48 (average 49.2 ± 10.4) years (P