Recent Trends in Breast Cancer Incidence May 11, 2005

Recent Trends in Breast Cancer Incidence May 11, 2005

In Western countries, breast cancer is the leading cancer. In China, breast cancer incidence is generally considered lower than in the West; however, recent data show that the incidence in China is currently rising at a rate of 3% per year. Over the last decade of the 20th century, the growth rate of breast cancer among urban women in China increased by 38% compared with the previous period. A characteristic of breast cancer in China is its younger onset, with the highest incidence occurring between ages 40 and 49, about 10–15 years earlier than in the West. Although the incidence of breast cancer in the United States remains high, its mortality rate is significantly lower than in other countries due to timely screening and prevention. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the prevention and screening of this disease. Recently, the Disease Control Department of the Chinese Ministry of Health and the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association jointly launched the “China Million Women Breast Screening Project,” aimed at controlling the further spread of this disease. Positive expression of HER-2 monoclonal antibody in breast cancer indicates strong metastatic potential and poor prognosis. Currently, targeted treatment with Herceptin (monoclonal antibody) has had a decisive effect on this type of breast cancer. Overall, breast cancer treatment now involves comprehensive measures such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy (tamoxifen, letrozole), and targeted cell therapy (Herceptin), which can reduce mortality rates.