The epidemiology of Her-2/neu and P53 in breast cancer

Breast cancer is an etiologically heterogeneous disease with marked geograp hical variations. Joint consideration of the relationship between specific molecular alterations and known or suspected epidemiologic risk factors for this disease should help distinguish subgroups of women that are at elevat ed risk of developing breast cancer. In this article, we present a comprehe nsive literature review of the etiologic and prognostic roles of Her-2/neu and P53 among women. In addition,we discuss the advantages and limitations of using biomarkers in epidemiological studies. We conclude that more resea rch is needed to understand the complex relationships between genetic alter ations and etiologic risk factors for breast cancer.