title: Epidemiology, prevention, and early detection of breast cancer.
abstract: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Genetic, environmental, and gene-environment interactions are discussed in relation to breast cancer etiology. A major advance in the study of inherited forms of breast cancer occurred with the identification of two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, that may account for a majority of inherited forms of breast cancer cases. Hypotheses have been formulated concerning the importance of timing of exposures to environmental agents and a possible role of "xenogenetics" in relation to breast cancer risk. With respect to early detection, regular mammography screening for women aged 50 years and older is clearly associated with a significant reduction in breast cancer mortality, but mammography among women aged 40 to 49 remains controversial. Concerning chemoprevention, the risks and benefits of tamoxifen continue to be clarified, retinoids hold promise, and monoterpenes have emerged as a possible chemopreventive agent.
authors.affiliation: Oncology Unit, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegra, RS Brazil.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Daudt
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Alberg
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Helzlsouer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019313:BRCA1 Protein / Q000235:genetics; D024682:BRCA2 Protein; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental / Q000009:adverse effects; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008019:Life Style; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D019313:BRCA1 Protein; D024682:BRCA2 Protein; D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D013629:Tamoxifen