Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. The number of affected individuals is raising and the age at the onset has shifted towards younger age groups. Therefore, it is of great importance to improve primary and secondary prevention of breast cancer. New techniques of molecular biology significantly increased our under- standing about the onset and progression of especially familial breast cancer. Further research in areas of molecular genetics and epidemiology is needed to find reliable diagnostic tools for screening of population groups to identify individuals at high risk of breast cancer. The follow up of interaction of various predisposing genes and environmental factors in breast cancer pathogenesis is of considerable public health importance as well. Some of risk factors covering areas of lifestyle and genetics are listed in this review as well as a survey of screening approaches and future prospects.

        Key words: prevention, genes, populations, screening.