Breast cancer in Saudi Arabia and its possible risk factors

Breast cancer is the commonest females' cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. There is a substantial rise in the incidence of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia in recent years, particularly among younger females compared to affected females' in western countries. There have been several factors implicated to the etiology of breast cancer, which differ for different geographical locations. The aim of this review was to discuss the most important etiological factors available in the literature with its possible association in the Kingdom of Saudi Araba (KSA). A number of etiological factors have been involved in the etiology of breast cancer. These factors act independently or together to cause breast cancer. The etiological factors discussed in this review include: age factors, age at first birth, early menarche, gender, dietary factors, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, low-dose irradiation, obesity, physical activity, lactation, hormonal factors, hormone replacement therapy, steroid hormone receptors, mammographic density, benign breast disease, and genetic factors. This in addition to the role of Her-2/Neu Antigen and triple negative breast cancer (Tnbc). These factors were discussed in view of the existing literature in general and in KSA in particular, in association with the future scope of the prospective research orientations. Such review can provide necessary information to identify individuals at high risk for prevention, early detection, identifying gaps for future research, and appropriate subsequent management, as well as, caregivers' coordination. The ultimate benefit will be a future dramatic decline in the morbidity and mortality of the breast cancer in KSA.