The purpose of this volume is to give an organised overview of information already in the public domain from epidemiological studies about lifestyle and other factors associated with risk of breast cancer. The presentation of simple information, with some indication of major sources of that information, will be useful for health professionals, cancer organisations and others who prepare public information resources. The information was not designed to aid epidemiological analysis of the material nor to be a comprehensive account that will advance our understanding about causes of breast cancer and the interplay, or lack of it, among various factors.
Breast cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in women.
A reduction in mortality from breast cancer is currently achievable only by earlier detection, mainly by way of organised mammographic screening programs. Breast cancer is more frequent in countries that are more economically developed but, currently, there is no known means of preventing its occurrence. Statements about how common breast cancer is in relation to other cancers and patterns of breast cancer incidence by age, place of birth and socioeconomic status are based on descriptive epidemiology which studies the frequency and distribution of diseases in populations. The patterns observed in descriptive epidemiology may suggest hypotheses about features associated with the cancer for testing by other means. Risk Risk is the probability or likelihood that a person will develop a disease.