Tuesday, 28 October 2025

Breast Cancer: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Modalities | Chapter 9 | Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 12

 

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. HER2-enriched and triple-negative—that differ in receptor status (ER, PR, HER2), prognosis, and treatment options. Disease risk arises from a mix of non-modifiable factors (age, genetics, reproductive history), modifiable factors (lifestyle, hormonal exposures), and strong environmental and hormonal influences. Early detection and characterisation of tumours—including imaging and biopsy to establish molecular subtype—are critical for guiding therapy.

 

Methods: This review synthesises existing literature on breast cancer epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies. Sources include peer-reviewed studies on genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA1/2, TP53), hormonal and reproductive risk studies, lifestyle and environmental exposure reports, and clinical trials of therapies such as HER2-directed treatments. Diagnostic and surgical & radiation therapy approaches are compared in the context of evidence for outcomes and side effect profiles.

 

Results: Molecular subtype classification has proven essential: Genetic mutations such as BRCA1/2 significantly increase risk and are associated with more aggressive disease in some subtypes. Modifiable risk factors—such as obesity, alcohol use, late first childbirth, and hormone replacement therapy—also substantially impact incidence. Diagnostic imaging modalities (mammography, ultrasound, MRI) and biopsy allow earlier detection. Treatments combining surgery, radiation, and systemic (targeted, hormonal, or chemotherapy) therapies improve survival and reduce recurrence, especially when matched to the specific subtype. However, aggressive subtypes and late diagnosis continue to challenge outcomes.

 

Conclusions: Breast cancer is not a single disease but rather a collection of subtypes with distinct biology, risks, and treatment responses. Advances in molecular understanding and diagnostics have enabled more personalised treatment. Still, substantial work remains: reducing incidence via prevention, improving early detection in all populations, and developing more effective therapies for aggressive subtypes. Overall, integrating genetic, lifestyle, and clinical data is key to reducing the burden of breast cancer globally.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Kurupatha Menatha Jayasree
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Alagala Anitha
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Chantimalla Narendra Reddy
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

M. Puspha
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

R. Charith
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

S. Hema
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v12/6449

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