Introduction

Globally breast carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer related death in women worldwide. Despite  the  high  incidence  rates,  in  Western countries, 89% of women diagnosed  with  breast cancer  are still  alive  5 years  after  their  diagnosis,  which  is due  to early  detection  and  treatment . The UK and USA have one of the highest  incidence  rates  worldwide  (together with  the rest  of North  America  and Australia/ NewZealand), making these countries a priority for breast cancer awareness. Estrogen and progesterone and HER-2 protein play a central role in regulating growth kinetics of breast tissue and are powerful predictive markers. now the immunohistochemistry testing for hormonal receptors status is mandatory in breast cancer.

In urban India breast cancer accounts for about 25% to 33% of all cancers in women. In women, incidence rates of breast cancer rise sharply with age until ages 45 to50, when the rise becomes less steep. This change in slope probably reflects the impact of hormonal change (menopause) that occurs about this time. Over 50% breast cancer patients in India present in stages 3 and 4, which will definitely impact their survival and the overall 5 year survival for breast cancer patients in India doesn't appear to be even 60% presently.

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Dr Nandini Venkatesh