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Mechanisms of Disease: prediction and prevention of breast cancer—cellular and molecular interactions

Nature Clinical Practice Oncology volume 2, pages 635–646 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent female cancer in the world and its incidence is increasing, largely because of the Western lifestyle. There is a need, not only to predict women who will develop the disease, but also to apply drug and lifestyle measures in order to prevent the disease. Current risk prediction models are based on combinations of risk factors and have good predictive but low discriminatory power. New risk prediction methods might come from examination of single nucleotide polymorphisms in several genes or from an increased knowledge of the molecular and cellular biology of the breast, particularly with respect to aberrant gene expression and protein synthesis. These methods might also determine new targets for preventive agents and lifestyle change. Many potential preventive measures are available and some have been successful. New approaches are required, however, not only to prevent the disease but to devise methods for their assessment that do not require very large and expensive clinical trials.

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Figure 1: Prediction, prevention and biology of breast cancer.
Figure 2: Overview of the many complex risk factors associated with breast cancer.
Figure 3: Anatomy and changes within the breast with age.
Figure 4: Estimated relative risk of breast cancer according to various endocrine and reproductive-related factors.
Figure 5: Forrest plot of interventions that reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Figure 6: Cellular interactions between different cell types within human breast tissue.
Figure 7: Molecular targets of potential preventive strategies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Breast Biology Group,

    Anthony Howell, Andrew H Sims, Kai Ren Ong, Michelle N Harvie & Robert B Clarke

  2. Department of Medical Oncology, all at Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK

    Anthony Howell, Andrew H Sims, Kai Ren Ong, Michelle N Harvie & Robert B Clarke

  3. Professor in Medical Genetics at the Academic Unit of Medical Genetics and Regional Genetics Service, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK

    D Gareth R Evans

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  1. Anthony Howell
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Correspondence to Anthony Howell.

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Howell, A., Sims, A., Ong, K. et al. Mechanisms of Disease: prediction and prevention of breast cancer—cellular and molecular interactions. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2, 635–646 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncponc0361

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