APPLICATION OF MARKOV MODEL TO THE STUDY OF BREAST CANCER: A CASE STUDY OF PATIENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

The paper studied the problem of Breast cancer in Rivers State using Markov Chain Model. The data for this study was obtained from Cancer Registry Unit; University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. These sample data were transformed to 3×3 matrix, otherwise known as transition count matrix, denoted as M and it’s corresponding probability transition matrix denoted by P. Markov Model was used to determine the ages of women that are susceptible to breast cancer and the number of women who transited from one state to another , like-wise those that left the system as a result of death. The plot of the raw data against time showed that as the years go by, the number of breast cancer patients increased. This study also proffered solution to factors that could reduce the risk of breast cancer.