Breast cancer: a comprehensive approach from risk factors to personalized treatment
Keywords:
Breast cancer, risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, personalized treatmentAbstract
Breast cancer represents one of the leading global health challenges due to its high incidence, mortality, and considerable biological and clinical heterogeneity. Its development is associated with the interaction of genetic, hormonal, reproductive, environmental, and behavioral factors, requiring an integrated approach encompassing prevention, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and individualized treatment. The objective of this article was to analyze the main risk factors associated with breast cancer, examine current approaches to prevention and early detection, and describe diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, with particular emphasis on the transition toward personalized treatment. Methodologically, an integrative narrative review of the scientific literature was conducted, including original articles, systematic reviews, evidence syntheses, epidemiological studies, clinical practice guidelines, and institutional documents. The information was organized through thematic analysis covering epidemiology, susceptibility, risk factors, prevention, screening, diagnosis, molecular characterization, and treatment. The findings indicate that susceptibility to breast cancer results from multiple modifiable and non-modifiable determinants and varies considerably among individuals and populations. Early detection expands therapeutic opportunities, although its effectiveness depends on continuity between screening, diagnostic confirmation, and access to appropriate treatment. Furthermore, advances in genomics, biomarkers, and molecular characterization have revealed the biological diversity of breast tumors and increasingly support more precise therapeutic decisions. Overall, the evidence supports an integrated model combining individualized risk assessment, prevention, surveillance, early diagnosis, tumor characterization, and personalized treatment to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the global burden of breast cancer.
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