Risk factors and prevalence of breast cancer — a review

Breast cancer represents a significant health problem because of the number of individuals affected by this disease. Thirty per cent of all cancers in women occur in the breast, making it the most commonly diagnosed female cancer. Breast cancer is among the top 20 causes of deaths in Pakistan. Various phenomena serve as protective as well as risk factors for breast cancer. Several characteristics proving to be risk factors include age, weight, family history, physical activity, smoking, hormonal and reproductive factors. Women with advanced age, having middle class family background, higher body mass index and a high ratio of incomplete pregnancies are at significantly increased risk of breast cancer. Despite the treatment strategies applied on patients, the satisfaction regarding the course of treatment is not of standard. Psychiatric guidance and moral help can assist to improve a patient s quality of life.