Breast Cancer: Major Risk Factors and Recent Developments in Treatment

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common in women worldwide, with some 5-10% of all cases due to inheritedmutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Obesity, hormone therapy and use of alcohol are possible causesand over-expression of leptin in adipose tissue may also play a role. Normally surgery, radiation therapy andchemotherapy allow a good prognosis where screening measures are in place. New hope in treatment measuresinclude adjuvant therapy, neoadjuvant therapy, and introduction of mono-clonal antibodies and enzymeinhibitors.

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