[Breast cancer].

The authors reviewed the clinical records of 31 patients with carcinoma of the breast diagnosed at the Dr. Rafael Hernández Hospital in Chiriquí from January 1988 to December 1990. All the patients were women and the average age was 51.9 years. 41.9% of the patients were classified Stage 1; 29%, Stage 2; 16.1%, Stage IIIA; and 12.8%, Stage IIIB. 74% of the patients were treated with a modified radical mastectomy, radiation and hormonal therapies. Systemic cytotoxic therapy was given to 77% of the patients. Total survival 48 months after diagnosis was 83.3% in patients at Stage I; 66%, at Stage II; 40%, at Stage IIIA; and 0%, in patients at Stage IIIB.