Prognostic and Predictive Values of BI-RADS Classification in Breast Cancer Patients

Objective The goal of this study is to determine the prognostic and predictive values of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classification in breast cancer patients. Patients and methods 1045 patients with breast cancer were disgnosed between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2007, and 512 (48.9%) of them were classified as BI-RADS 5. Overall survival and disease-free survival were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared across the two groups (BI-RADS 5 versus BI-RADS 0-4) using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the prognostic factors. Results The median follow-up time was 87.8 months. Laplan-Meier analysis showed a significant difference between the two subgroups in five-year overall survival (p Conclusion The BI-RADS classification is a reliable prognostic and predictive factor. Taiwanese breast cancer patients with BI-RADS 5 mammographic finding showed a higher relapse rate than patients with BI-RADS 0-4 mammographic finding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.