Breast cancer in northern Alberta: pilot study in computerized registration.

Analysis of data from 643 breast cancer patients seen between 1971 and 1973 in northern Alberta was undertaken as a preliminary study leading towards a comprehensive breast registry. Age at first treatment and menopausal status were found to be related significantly to the clinical stage of the disease. Other data reported included age at menarche, lymph node involvement and methods of primary treatment. A decline in use of the radical mastectomy was noted. The comprehensive breast registry, which will be used to identify high-risk groups, assess treatment modalities, test hypotheses and generate ideas, has a high probability of success because of compulsory registration of new cases of breast cancer in Alberta and collection of data by the same four individuals.