Breast cancer incidence rates greatly differ around the world. Developed countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, generally have higher incidence rates than developing countries, such as Cambodia, Nepal, and Rwanda.
In the United States, Washington D.C. and Connecticut have the highest breast cancer incidence rates while New Mexico has the lowest. At the same time, Washington D.C., Louisiana, and New Jersey have the highest breast cancer mortality rates while Hawaii has the lowest.
Patients with a family history of breast cancer,
especially in a first-degree relative, are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
The majority of women with one or more affected first-degree relatives will never develop breast cancer; most women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.