Breast Cancer

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Abstract
Carcinoma of the breast is the most common tumor in women. The incidence varies significantly in different parts of the world. In the United States there is no evidence that in the last 20-30 years significant progress has been made in prolonging life in these patients. A virus (Bittner agent, mammary tumor virus) has been identified in the mouse mammary tumor and its role studied extensively. The initial treatment of breast cancer is, in general, surgery. The extent of surgery and the use of radiation therapy before or after surgery remain controversial. Endocrine therapy, either removal of ovary, adrenal, or pituitary gland or additive therapy using estrogens, androgens, or corticoids has been studied extensively and guidelines for its use are summarized. Chemotherapy with other agents is relatively new and its alternate role is to be determined.