The article reviews the global patterns of female breast cancer incidence and mortality, highlighting significant variations across different regions and over time. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with incidence rates varying widely, up to 10-fold, due to socio-economic factors. In high-resource countries, mammographic screening has influenced diagnosis and mortality. Studies on migrants show that environmental factors, not genetics, are responsible for international differences in breast cancer risk. The risk increases with successive generations, especially after migration to countries with higher incidence rates. In developing countries, breast cancer incidence has been rising rapidly, often attributed to the "westernization" of lifestyles. Mortality rates are influenced by both incidence and case-fatality, with early diagnosis playing a key role. In high-resource settings, advances in treatment have improved survival and reduced mortality rates. The article discusses geographical variations, noting higher incidence in northern and western Europe, northern America, Australia, and New Zealand, while lower rates are observed in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America. Age-specific variations show a distinct curve, with the highest risk before menopause. The mean age of diagnosis in developing countries is lower than in developed regions. Trends in incidence and mortality vary by region, with some countries showing declines in mortality due to screening and improved treatment. In Europe, mortality has decreased in many countries, particularly in younger women, while in some Eastern European countries, mortality is increasing. In North America, similar trends are observed, with mortality decreasing in white women but increasing in black women. Australia and New Zealand show steady increases in incidence and mortality, with screening playing a role in reducing mortality. Japan has seen rapid increases in incidence and mortality, attributed to period and cohort effects. In developing countries, breast cancer incidence and mortality are rising, often linked to the adoption of Western lifestyles. Risk factors include hormonal, reproductive, and lifestyle factors. Socio-economic status is associated with higher risk, but lower mortality in deprived populations due to later diagnosis. Exogenous hormones and dietary factors also contribute to risk. Early detection through mammographic screening has reduced mortality, with screening contributing to a significant portion of the decline in breast cancer mortality. Advances in treatment and management have also improved survival rates. Future prevention strategies focus on modifiable risk factors, including breastfeeding, and the use of chemopreventive agents like tamoxifen. Genetic factors and targeted interventions are also being explored. Access to care and prevention are crucial for reducing the global burden of breast cancer.The article reviews the global patterns of female breast cancer incidence and mortality, highlighting significant variations across different regions and over time. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with incidence rates varying widely, up to 10-fold, due to socio-economic factors. In high-resource countries, mammographic screening has influenced diagnosis and mortality. Studies on migrants show that environmental factors, not genetics, are responsible for international differences in breast cancer risk. The risk increases with successive generations, especially after migration to countries with higher incidence rates. In developing countries, breast cancer incidence has been rising rapidly, often attributed to the "westernization" of lifestyles. Mortality rates are influenced by both incidence and case-fatality, with early diagnosis playing a key role. In high-resource settings, advances in treatment have improved survival and reduced mortality rates. The article discusses geographical variations, noting higher incidence in northern and western Europe, northern America, Australia, and New Zealand, while lower rates are observed in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America. Age-specific variations show a distinct curve, with the highest risk before menopause. The mean age of diagnosis in developing countries is lower than in developed regions. Trends in incidence and mortality vary by region, with some countries showing declines in mortality due to screening and improved treatment. In Europe, mortality has decreased in many countries, particularly in younger women, while in some Eastern European countries, mortality is increasing. In North America, similar trends are observed, with mortality decreasing in white women but increasing in black women. Australia and New Zealand show steady increases in incidence and mortality, with screening playing a role in reducing mortality. Japan has seen rapid increases in incidence and mortality, attributed to period and cohort effects. In developing countries, breast cancer incidence and mortality are rising, often linked to the adoption of Western lifestyles. Risk factors include hormonal, reproductive, and lifestyle factors. Socio-economic status is associated with higher risk, but lower mortality in deprived populations due to later diagnosis. Exogenous hormones and dietary factors also contribute to risk. Early detection through mammographic screening has reduced mortality, with screening contributing to a significant portion of the decline in breast cancer mortality. Advances in treatment and management have also improved survival rates. Future prevention strategies focus on modifiable risk factors, including breastfeeding, and the use of chemopreventive agents like tamoxifen. Genetic factors and targeted interventions are also being explored. Access to care and prevention are crucial for reducing the global burden of breast cancer.