This article presents a comprehensive review of the Breast Cancer literature examining epidemiology, diagnosis, pathology, "benign" breast disease, breast carcinoma in situ syndromes, staging, and post-treatment surveillance among many topics. Breast cancer remains the most commonly occurring cancer in women. Breast cancer detection, treatment, and prevention are prominent issues in public health and medical practice. Background information on developments in these arenas is provided so that medical directors can continue to update their approach to the assessment of breast cancer risk.