Female Prevalence of Breast Cancer: An Evolutionary Perspective

The global prevalence of breast cancer reflects a profound mismatch between the evolutionary adaptations of ancestral humans and the modern lifestyle practices of contemporary society. This discrepancy is evident in the alteration of reproductive patterns and lifestyle factors, such as earlier onset of menarche, increased ovulatory cycles, shorter lactation periods, late menopause, nulliparity, decreased physical activity levels, higher adiposity, and consumption of processed foods. These modern influences have led to unprecedented levels of estrogen exposure in women, contributing to breast cancer risk. Comparisons between traditional and modern women underscore the significant increase in menstrual cycles and reproductive cancers in the latter group. This evolutionary mismatch, characterized by changes in reproductive and lifestyle factors, poses a significant risk for the development of breast cancer in modern women.