This is the commonest malignant disease of females in the United Kingdom and Ireland affecting one in eleven women and accounting for more than 10,000 deaths annually in England and Wales. Its incidence is increasing particularly in the 35-45 year old age group.
Aetiology
There is no definite evidence of any predisposing factors in humans but there is a familial and recently recognised genetic coding. It is rare in oriental races and less likely to affect women who have had pregnancies in their teens. There is no association with the contraceptive pill.
