Breast Cancer: An Introduction

Female breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It is estimated that 180,510 new cases of breast cancer would be reported and 40,460 patients will die in 2007 in the United States (Am. Cancer Soc. 2007), accounting for approximately one-third of all female cancers in the country. Approximately, 2,030 new cases of breast cancer are also expected in men in 2007, and 450 will die. Death rates from breast cancer have been steadily decreasing due to a combination of early detection and improved treatment. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy and hormone treatment have led to improvement in relapse-free and overall survival; these gains are impressive.