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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Basic and Clinical Relevance of Hormonal Influence in Breast Cancer

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In the Federal Republic of Germany breast cancer has a leading place among malignant tumors in women. Genital and breast cancers account for 32% of all female deaths from malignant neoplasias. The distribution of types of cancer is as follows: breast 52%, uterine cervix 9%, corpus uteri 4.5%, adnexae 19%, and other sex organs 15.5% (Maas and Sachs 1972; Schmidt-Matthiesen 1975, Vorherr 1980). Besides general epidemiological factors such as geographical distribution, dietary factors, age distribution, familial disposition, and socioeconomic influences, possible hormonal components are discussed in connection with the etiology of breast cancer (Fischedick and Lux 1977; Henderson et al. 1974; Lilienfeld 1963, Maass et al. 1970; MacMahon et al. 1973; De Waard 1969; Wynder et al. 1960; Waterhouse et al. 1976; Anderson 1974; Carroll et al. 1968; Thijssen 1968; Lewison 1976; Centers for Disease Control Cancer and Steroid Hormone Study 1983; Thomas 1984; Ketcham and Sindelar 1975). For example, an early menarche or a late menopause leads to an increased incidence of breast cancer, bilateral ovariectomy before the 40th year of life reduces the risk of breast cancer, and childlessness is regarded as a risk factor for breast cancer.