The epidemic and characteristics of female breast cancer in China

The incidence, mortality and survivorship of female breast cancer in China, and the distribution of its several key characteristics were described briefly in this article. The breast cancer incidence and mortality rates among Chinese women were increasing rapidly, especially in rural area during the recent 10 years, though they were still in low level worldwidely. The distribution of breast cancer incidence and mortality among Chinese women by age and district were showing significant characters. The total survival rate was estimated to be closed to the average level of developing countries, while disparity between urban and rural area was recognized. Because of lacking population data, it is difficult to describe the characteristics on histological subtypes, stages on diagnosis and molecular subtypes nationwide. The national strategies on breast cancer prevention and control should be focused on disease surveillance,etiological research and survival study. Moreover, measurement should be taken to improve the capacity on breast cancer prevention, screening and clinical services in rural area, in order to narrow the gap of survivorship between urban and rural area and control the rapid increase of mortality in rural area.