The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the extensive information available concerning breast cancer. It provides in Part 2 and Part 3, information concerning breast cancer and breast disease generally. Part 4 describes the pathology of breast cancer and presents information concerning the different types of common breast cancers. In Part 5 the paper looks at the current statistics on incidence, mortality and survival of breast cancer and breast cancer patients. 

In Part 6, knowledge concerning the cause of breast cancer is examined and evidence concerning risk factors for developing breast cancer is provided. Part 7 briefly examines breast cancer in men, and Part 8 looks at the control and treatment of breast cancer. Strategies for both primary and secondary prevention are discussed as are the conventional treatments. Part 9 provides a brief overview of the research and other funding for breast cancer in Australia and New South Wales.