In the thousands of years that breast cancer has been around, it is only in recent decades that awareness of the condition has risen. Along with this awareness came the collective need to act. Nonetheless, science is still a few steps away from completely understanding breast cancer. Current research still has to look into such aspects as causes, risk factors, treatment and prevention. Here are some current developments and research areas that focus on breast cancer: 

Causes and Risk Factors

Research has revealed that genetic mutations in genes BRCA1, BRCA2 and BRCA3 are responsible for breast cancer. It has also been determined though that most breast cancer gene mutations are rarely due to heredity. A woman’s risk for breast cancer however increases when there are more near relations affected with the disease.

At present more gene mutation factors are being looked into. More importantly though, scientists are still trying to determine if certain environmental factors increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. If genetic mutations are not the common cause of the disease then what could be? 

Although more conclusive studies need to be conducted there are already clues regarding environmental factors. A World Cancer Research Fund summary report produced by scientists from thousands of breast cancer studies suggests that there is a link between the disease and breast cancer. The report also suggests that women should minimize alcohol intake, not smoke, maintain a low fat diet, eat healthy and exercise regularly. 

Diagnosis
 
For more than 70 years now, the mammogram has been the major technique used for the early detection of breast cancer cells. Even to this day, it is what is mainly used with other imaging and diagnostic techniques used mainly to corroborate or support results. Mammograms however are not always exact especially if a woman has dense breast muscles or if a radiologist lacks the expertise. New techniques and methods are now being studied to improve breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Current methods being developed are molecular breast imaging, tomosynthesis, ultrasonography, scintimammography, ductal lavage and magnetic resonance imaging.

Prevention
 
We know that chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to treat breast cancer. Current studies however may also introduce the future idea of breast cancer prevention through chemicals. Two drugs, raloxifene and tamoxifen are now being studied because they may have the ability to prevent breast cancer among women who are at risk of developing the disease.

Treatment

Modern forms of surgery have provided women with better options than full mastectomy. Recently, newer methods are being considered in which doctors will be able to spare the skin and even the nipple and areola of some patients. This will be a great aid for those who opt for reconstructive surgery. 

One other exciting new development in breast cancer treatment is the possibility that breast cancer cells may actually be destroyed without surgery. There is a chance that cancer cells may be eliminated through the use of heat that is fed through a thin metal insertion. 

Researchers are now also looking into new drugs, new drug dose guidelines and more effective treatment combinations.