Breast Cancer Cases Forecasting for Radiotherapy in Western Nepal

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Although the causes and natural history of breast cancer remain unclear, epidemiological research has uncovered genetic, biological, environmental and lifestyle risk factors for the disease. Over the past several decades, the risk of breast cancer in developed countries has increased by one to two percent annually. While data for developing countries are limited, cancer registries suggest that age-standardized incidence rates are rising even more rapidly in low-incidence regions such as Africa and Asia. As of 2012, there are 7 centers around Nepal that provide treatment for cancer, and Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, is the only one in the western region. The centre has both a Linear Accelerator and a Telecobalt external radiotherapy unit. Since its inception in 2000, the center has treated nearly 950 patients with radiotherapy till 2008. The aim of this study was to determine the trends and to estimate the future load of patients with breast cancer requiring radiotherapy at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal.