Objective: In this study, we analyzed breast cancer mortality data overall and by age groups in women in Montenegro, to determine if there were any changes in trend for period 1990-2018.
Materials and methods: The study gathered data on breast cancer mortality in Montenegro obtained from Vital Registration System. Annual data on breast cancer mortality were extracted for period 1990-2018 and analyzed using World Standard Population age-standardized and age-specific rates and Joinpoint regression.
Results: In 2018 in Montenegro, breast cancer accounted for 4.64% of all deaths in women and for 19.78% of all cancer deaths in women. In terms of total cancer mortality, it ranked first among women. Age-standardized rates ranged from 11.41/100,000 in 1990 to 20.46/100,000 in 2016. Joinpoint regression showed no one joinpoint for the entire population of all women and age groups. In the observed period, breast cancer mortality rates significantly increased in the women in Montenegro [average annual percentage change (AAPC) = 1.44%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9-2.0]. The most affected age group was 55-64 years.
Conclusions: There is a growing breast cancer mortality trend in Montenegro. It is necessary to create specific programs for urgent action, in order to reduce this undesirable trend. At the same time, support from the competent institutions is needed for increasing screening coverage and better prevention of breast cancer in the target population.