[Future perspectives for breast cancer clinics from epidemiologic evidences]

Current incidence of breast cancer in Japan is remarkably increasing, probably related to the westernization of dietary habits. The age-specific incidence rate of breast cancer in Japan is entirely different from that of Western countries, i.e., the age trend falls after menopausal age, while the age-dependent elevation of risk in premenopausal women. Around 65% of breast cancer cases are in age group 40-64 years and the average age of breast cancer deaths was 61.8 years that is more than 10 years younger than 72.6 years for all cancer deaths. Furthermore, the fatal rate of breast cancer is relatively lower compared with others and, therefore, the effective strategy for breast cancer control should be focused on not only primary prevention but also secondary prevention, i.e., early detection and treatment by well organized screening program especially for age group 40-64 years old.