Breast cancer prevention in the developing world

Excerpt

Breast cancer is already by far the commonest cancer in women worldwide, with an estimated 1.4 million cases in 2008 [1]. The rates have been increasing steadily and there is every indication that they will continue to do so over the next few decades. The greatest increases are in the developing world, where rates have traditionally been low, but with changing lifestyle they look destined to approach rates seen in western countries. In addition to this, the lifespan of women in the developing world is also increasing and so far more women are reaching an age where breast cancer rates are high. Thus, the increase in breast cancer incidence, to a large extent, reflects the major successes achieved in the developing world in combating infectious diseases and maternal deaths from childbirth. …