Prognostic factors in breast cancer.

Data relating to 1022 patients with early breast cancer who were entered into a clinical trial have been analysed to assess the importance of various factors in predicting prognosis. Clinical stage was the major determinant of prognosis, and in each stage patients with a breast tumour 2 cm or less in maximum diameter had a significantly better survival than patients with larger tumours. Patients aged between 40 and 49 years and premenopausal patients had relatively favourable prognosis. Site of the tumour within the breast, whether it was situated on the left or the right side, the patient's martial status and the number of pregnancies did not appear to have any influence.