EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BREAST-CANCER - THE NORDIC CONTRIBUTION

In the Nordic countries, breast cancer, is the most common malignant d isease among women and the: incidence has been increasing steadily for the past 30 years. The age-specific incidence curve of female breast cancer suggests that the menopause has a protective effect. Nordic stu dies have provided evidence of an increased breast cancer risk in wome n of low parity, those who have their first child late, and those who have used oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy for a lo ng time.