Abstract

Among all forms of cancers, Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in females worldwide. It is in fact the second leading causes of death among female population. However, incidence rate of breast cancer is higher among Pakistani females compare to other countries of Asia. The major factors that play important role in the development of breast carcinoma are the genetics and environment, the reproductive experience, the effect of endogenous and exogenous hormones in females and the change in immune status. However, in the Pakistani women hormonal factors including age of menarche, use of oral contraceptives, central obesity, family history, polycystic ovaries, nulliparity, late age at first pregnancy, smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of breast feeding are some of the most common risk factors developing breast cancer. Furthermore, the high prevalence of BRCA mutations indicates the importance of genetic counseling. Focus should be given to find out the genetic factors causing breast cancer in Pakistani population to elucidate the genetic cause leading to breast cancer development in order to prevent and decrease its incidence.