The impact of comorbidity on the survival of postmenopausal women with breast cancer

Purpose: The aim was to assess the impact of comorbidity on survival of postmenopausal women with breast cancer diagnosis in the period 1995-1997. Methods: The level of comorbidity was described by the methods suggested by Satariano and Charlson. Cox's proportional hazard models were used to explore the impact of comorbidity on all-cause mortality. Results: After a median follow-up time of 52 months, an increasing level of comorbidity was associated with a higher all-cause mortality. Compared to patients without comorbid conditions, the hazard ratio of death (HR) was 1.2 (95% Cl: 0.8-1.7) for Satariano index 1 and HR 2.3 (95% Cl: 1.5-3.5) for Satariano index greater than or equal to2, and HR 1.6 and 2.1 for the Charlson comorbidity index, respectively. Independent of comorbidity, the treatment pattern had a strong impact on survival. The level of comorbidity has an influence on the 3-year survival of postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Conclusions: Long-term follow-up is required to appraise these findings in relation to treatment strategies.