Physical Findings

Stop & Think

Lab and X-Ray

Differential Diagnosis

The Disease

Treatment

Conclusions

Quiz & Evaluation

• Breast cancer rates are 4-7 times higher in the western world
• Incidence in immigrants to the US increases slowly over several generations.
• In "developing" countries, the incidence rises.
• Dietary influences
• Dietary fat has been implicated.
• Caffeine does not appear to play significant role.
• Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk.
• Cigarette smoking does not appear to play a significant role.
• Possible viruses. Animal models do exist, but no clear human counterpart has been found.
• Organochlorine pesticides have been implicated but not yet proven to significantly increase risk. They are known to have estrogenic properties.