Understanding Susceptibility to Breast Cancer: From Risk Factors to Prevention Strategies.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading global malignancy in women, with rising incidence.
• Understanding risk factors and biological mechanisms is key for effective prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors for breast cancer.
• To explore current and emerging chemoprevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of breast cancer risk factors.
• Analysis of current chemoprevention agents and novel approaches.

Main Results:

• Identified key risk factors: genetics, demographics, family history, mammographic density, reproductive milestones, hormone exposure, obesity, diet, and physical activity.
• Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) reduce estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer but have side effects.
• Emerging strategies like aromatase inhibitors and immunoprevention show promise.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing breast cancer prevention requires understanding interactions between risk factors, hormones, and tumorigenesis.
• Advancing safer, targeted chemopreventive interventions is essential.