Improving the Diagnosis and Drug Treatment of Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer, Taking into Account Prognostic Factors

Abstract

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor characterized by rather aggressive growth and the ability to actively metastasize. This pathogenesis is due to the complex interaction of genetic, hormonal, metabolic, exogenous and other factors and is the most common malignant neoplasm among women in the world. Older age and being a woman are the strongest risk factors for developing breast cancer. Potentially modifiable factors associated with increased risk in women include weight gain after age 18 and/or being overweight or obese (in the case of postmenopausal breast cancer); menopausal hormone therapy (a combination of estrogen and progestin), formerly called hormone replacement therapy; alcohol consumption; and lack of physical activity. Breastfeeding for at least one year reduces the risk.