Modern view on the epidemiology of breast cancer: a literature review

Abstract

Relevance: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of female cancer mortality worldwide. The constant development of treatment strategies and diagnostic tools has increased the survival rate for BC. Next-generation genome sequencing (NGS) identifies the genetic changes responsible for tumor emergence, development, and metastasis. NGS has expanded the capacities of BC diagnostics, treatment, and early prevention in women.
The study aimed to identify breast cancer risk factors in women.
Methods: Publications were obtained from the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLibrary. The depth of the search was 5 to
10 years. As a result, 100 literary sources were identified, of which 26 publications formed the scientific material for this review.
Results: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease driven by genetic abnormalities and epigenetic alterations.
Conclusion: Gene mutations do not change. Genetic testing shall be introduced and used as a preventive measure to reduce BC incidence. Lifestyle-related BC risk factors can be modified to reduce BC risk.