Breast cancer and Women & Health

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Until recently, most breast cancer research was published in clinical and other specialized medical journals. The recent emergence of effective communication networks and influential advocacy organizations has led to increases in funding for breast cancer research, with the result that research fronts in social as well as medical aspects of breast cancer are rapidly expanding. The five breast cancer articles in this issue of Women & Health cover the broad areas of communications, screening, and policy, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment and illustrating the dynamics of involvement of women's groups and individual women toward solving problems of education, attitudes, and advocacy.