The lifetime risk for developing breast cancer is one in nine. In women older than age 45 years, breast cancer occurs more frequently in upper socioeconomic classes, and whites are affected more than Early detection is associated with increased survival and more cosmetic local treatment. Women should undergo screening and routine surveillance at timely intervals to assess risks and aid in early diagnosis. Other malignancies are associated with breast cancer, and multiple primary tumors of the ovary and uterus may be involved. Primary care physicians should be aware of a patient's chances of developing breast cancer and the impact of breast cancer on the general public.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer.
The family history is an important factor in assessing an individual's risk of a heritable predisposition to breast cancer. There are a number of interesting observations that suggest a relationship between estrogen replacement therapy and breast cancer. A number of clinical studies have reported that the risk of breast cancer is slightly elevated among users of estrogen replacement therapy. A meta-analysis concluded that women who had used estrogen in the Use of Oral Contraceptives Soon after the approval of oral contraceptives, a number of epidemiologic studies reported on the risk of breast cancer associated with them. Oral contraceptives are widely used, and any effect on the risk of breast cancer will have important public health implications.