[A survey of the epidemiology of breast cancer in The Netherlands].

Breast cancer is responsible for the main part of the total cancer incidence (+/- 30%) and cancer mortality (+/- 20%) among Dutch women. Due to aging of the Dutch population alone, the absolute numbers of breast cancer cases and deaths will increase considerably. Risk factors for breast cancer give no clues for primary prevention. By means of periodic screening patients are diagnosed at an earlier stage of disease, with a better prognosis. Even without a screening programme symptomatic women are diagnosed at earlier stages of disease. This paper gives a review of trends in breast cancer incidence and mortality in The Netherlands, as well as a risk profile of breast cancer patients and the relation between disease stage and survival. Its purpose is to obtain a better insight into the intended effects of the national breast cancer screening programme.