The Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one complex disease with different molecular and cellular changes. The pathophysiologic features of cancer are based on genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences; thus the disease has several subtypes that differ in behavior and response to treatment. The pathophysiology of breast cancer includes a number of factors that interplay among genetic mutations, hormonal influences, and microenvironment factors. Although these have been greatly elucidated by current research, more detailed understanding is requisite for further enhancement in the outcomes of treatment and development of individualized therapies. New technologies and methodologies are quick to surface; however, they promise better deciphering of breast cancer complexity and consequently better routes for interventions aimed at maximum efficacy. This literature review serves to synthesize the most recent findings on the pathophysiology of breast cancer in light of its complexity, identification of gaps in the current state of knowledge, and suggestions for directions future research should take.