Clinicopathological Profile of Breast Cancer Patients and Its Association with Treatment Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Variability in clinical outcomes is largely influenced by tumor biology and stage at presentation. Understanding the clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer within specific populations is essential for improving prognostic assessment and guiding treatment strategies. Objective: To describe the clinicopathological profile of breast cancer patients and evaluate its association with treatment outcomes, including survival and recurrence. Methods: A retrospective data analysis was conducted on 284 histopathologic ally confirmed breast cancer patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in the Islamabad–Rawalpindi region. Demographic, pathological, and treatment-related variables were extracted from institutional records. Tumors were classified according to TNM staging and Nottingham grading systems, with receptor status determined by immunohistochemistry. Disease-free survival, overall survival, and recurrence were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 48.6 ± 11.2 years. Lymph node positivity was observed in 60.2% of patients, and Grade II tumors were most common (52.5%). Recurrence occurred in 22.5% of cases. Tumor size demonstrated a negative correlation with disease-free survival (r = –0.42, p <0.001), while lymph node involvement significantly reduced survival duration (p = 0.001). Higher histological grade was associated with increased recurrence and reduced overall survival (p = 0.002). Hormone receptor positivity correlated with improved disease-free survival. Conclusion: Tumor size, nodal status, histological grade, and receptor expression were significant predictors of survival and recurrence. These findings reinforce the importance of early detection and individualized treatment strategies to optimize outcomes in breast cancer patients.