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Breast Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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International Manual of Oncology Practice

Abstract

Breast cancer continues to be a significant health problem, with an annual incidence of over 1.7 million and annual mortality of 500,000 world-wide. Breast cancer remains one of the most common causes of cancer death in developed countries and its incidence in developing countries has been trending upward, becoming a major health burden in these countries, as well.

A tremendous amount of research has been devoted to understanding the causes of breast cancer and to developing new therapies for this disease. This broad-based effort has resulted in definition of multiple molecular pathways that contribute to the development of breast cancer. This body of information is being used to develop new assessments and therapies that are improving both the survival and the quality of life of breast cancer patients. In this chapter we review the molecular biology of breast cancer, its pathological assessment and diagnosis, and methods for risk stratification. The current methods for local and systemic treatment, incluing surgical management and adjuvant therapy are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. VMWA LLC, 2493 Waverley St, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Eric R. Schuur Ph.D.

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, 1500 JCP, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    James P. DeAndrade M.D.

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  1. Eric R. Schuur Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Eric R. Schuur Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Oncology, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal

    Ramon Andrade de Mello

  2. edificio 7, ala nascente, 3º andar, University of Algarve, Dept Cie Biomed edificio 7, ala nascente, 3º andar, Faro, Portugal

    Álvaro Tavares

  3. Medical Oncology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Giannis Mountzios

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Schuur, E.R., DeAndrade, J.P. (2015). Breast Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. In: de Mello, R., Tavares, Á., Mountzios, G. (eds) International Manual of Oncology Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21683-6_9

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