ABSTRACT
Carcinoma of the breast is the most common cause of female cancer mortality in Western, predominantly white countries. Carcinoma may create several biochemical changes in the body, either through increased use of metabolites, interference with normal functioning, or, in the case of functioning tumors, the production of unusual or excessive amounts of biochemical agents, including hormones. The effects directly related to the primary tumor, secondary tumors may create even more bizarre problems by their local actions, especially if they invade other endocrine organs. The association of breast cancer with a late age of first pregnancy gave a new interest to ovarian function as a possible risk factor in breast cancer. In 1970, a gynecologist noted an apparent increase in the number of teen-aged patients with adenocarcinoma of the cervix and/or vagina. Squamous cell cervical carcinoma is easily distinguishable, readily diagnosed, and most common among the lower socioeconomic strata, the promiscuous, and the multiparous.
