title: The epidemiology of cancer of the breast.
abstract: A summary of the most relevant facts and hypotheses concerning breast cancer epidemiology is made. It is suggested that the statistical associations with suspected etiologic factors might be diluted by the heterogeneity of the disease. It is suggested that breast cancer is composed of several epidemiologic sub-entities determined by such factors as familial aggregation, histology and hormone profile.
mesh_terms: D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000453:epidemiology; D000367:Age Factors; D000728:Androgens / Q000652:urine; D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000453:epidemiology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008593:Menopause; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D012328:RNA Viruses; D051381:Rats; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D011388:Prolactin