EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS OF BREAST CANCER: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON INCIDENCE, MORTALITY, AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

S KHALID; S ARSHAD; M AQEEL; R AMEER; A SHAUKAT; M GHOUS; H KHALIQ; SA DAR; A SHAHID

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1465

Authors

S KHALID Department of Material Science and Nanotechnology, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Kadir Has University, Cibali Campus Fatih 34083, Istanbul Turkey.
S ARSHAD Department of Public Health, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
M AQEEL Sarhad Institute of Health Sciences, Sarhad University of information and Technology Peshawar, Pakistan
R AMEER Niazi Medical and Dental College, Pakistan
A SHAUKAT Department of Physiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
M GHOUS Department of Biochemistry, Minhaj University, Lahore, Pakistan
H KHALIQ Department of Anatomy and Histology, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
SA DAR Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Science, Lahore, Pakistan
A SHAHID Department of Basic and Applied Chemistry, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1465

Keywords:

Breast Cancer Epidemiology, Genetic Risk Factors, Molecular Subtypes, Lifestyle Modifications, Healthcare Disparities.

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, contributing significantly to global cancer mortality. This review provides a detailed examination of the epidemiological trends, molecular subtypes, and risk factors associated with breast cancer, with a focus on disparities in incidence, mortality, and survival across populations. Incidence rates are highest in developed regions, attributed to lifestyle and environmental factors, while mortality rates are disproportionately higher in developing countries due to limited healthcare access and aggressive tumor biology. The analysis highlights the pivotal role of genetic predispositions, such as BRCA mutations, alongside modifiable risk factors, including physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol consumption, and radiation exposure. Hormonal influences, reproductive behaviors, and dietary patterns further modulate individual risk profiles. Emerging evidence underscores the impact of socioeconomic disparities and ethnicity on breast cancer outcomes, particularly among African American and Hispanic women, who often present with more aggressive triple-negative subtypes and worse prognoses. Advancements in early detection, such as widespread mammography, have improved survival rates in developed countries, though challenges persist in low-resource settings. The review emphasizes the significance of understanding molecular subtypes—Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative breast cancer—and their implications for targeted therapies. Innovations in genetic screening, personalized medicine, and lifestyle interventions are poised to transform prevention and treatment strategies globally. This review underscores the necessity of addressing healthcare inequities, promoting lifestyle modifications, and advancing molecular research to reduce the global burden of breast cancer. Future efforts should focus on integrating public health initiatives, enhancing access to diagnostic tools, and developing cost-effective therapies tailored to diverse populations. Bridging the gap between resource-rich and resource-limited regions is imperative for achieving equity in breast cancer care and outcomes.

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