HORMONAL INFLUENCE ON BREAST CANCER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION: MOLECULAR INSIGHTS AND THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among women globally, with hormonal factors playing a pivotal role in its pathogenesis and progression. Estrogen and progesterone, the primary female sex hormones, are deeply implicated in tumor development through their interaction with nuclear hormone receptors and subsequent gene regulation. This article explores the molecular mechanisms by which hormones influence breast cancer initiation and evolution. It also reviews current hormonal therapies, including selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors, and emerging targeted approaches. Moreover, recent statistics, clinical trial outcomes, and global treatment disparities are examined to present a comprehensive understanding of hormone-driven breast cancer management.