CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN A SECONDARY-LEVEL UNIT

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm among women; the World Health Organization notes that incidence rates are 88% higher in developed countries than in developing ones. Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for 70% to 80% of all invasive cases, while lobular carcinoma is the second most frequent, making up 10% to 15% of diagnoses. Biological and sociodemographic factors are the primary risk factors for the development of breast cancer. Objective: To identify the clinical-pathological characteristics of breast cancer patients in a secondary-level care unit.