Breast Cancer: Published Research Trends and Issues 1978-2026

By Scott Kerlin, MS/PhD and Kelly Kerlin, MSW
Kerlin & Associates Research, San Francisco & Vancouver, BC Canada

June 2026 Update–Comprehensive Review of Published Research

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides an overview of Basic Information about Breast Cancer. This updated directory of published and accessible research focuses on overall trends in breast cancer epidemiology, prevalence, testing, diagnosis, risk assessment, treatment strategies, emotional support, and patient consultations. This guide continues to evolve over areas of focus.

Topics Included in Research Covered in this Guide:

Health and Medical Issues

* Breast cancer risk factors
* Breast cancer epidemiology
* Screening, detection, and diagnosis
* Varieties of symptoms of breast cancer
* Aging and increases in breast cancer risk and mortality
* Standards of diagnosis and treatment globally
* Stages of breast cancer detection and diagnosis
* Self-detection: Measured best practices
* Time from cancer detection to treatment, especially surgery
* Determination of treatment therapies and options
* Survival and mortality rates and various related factors
* Issues surrounding recurrence rates
* Mammographic screening options
* Types of breast cancer, classifications, and various related factors
* Triple-negative breast cancer
* Treatment options and patient care
* Medicines most commonly used for treatment
* Surgery approaches, including breast conserving options
* Chemotherapy strategies and effects

Psychological/Emotional Effects and Support

* Identification of supportive care options
* Managing emotional effects of diagnosis and treatment
* Psychological interventions at early stages of diagnosis and ongoing
* Treatment of long-term depression and anxiety in relation to breast cancer
* Strengthening self-compassion and post-traumatic growth
* Importance of social support networks, in-person and online
* Cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients
* Internet-delivered psychotherapy where possible


2026 Publications