Family History Of Breast Cancer Research Articles

Edukasi Kesehatan tentang Pola Hidup Sehat dan Pemeriksaan Payudara Sendiri

Breast cancer is the number one cause of death for women. Many women realize they have breast cancer after being in the final stage, as experienced by two church members who are currently undergoing breast cancer treatment. The interview results revealed that some church members had a family history of breast cancer, underscoring the importance of implementing prevention education and breast self-examination within the church. One of the causes of breast cancer is an unhealthy lifestyle, a lack of awareness, a lack of information, and the feeling that they are fine. No family history of the disease makes women too lazy to do breast self-exam. This activity was carried out in March 2024 with the target of women aged 15-55 years totaling 33 people. This activity is in the form of providing education on healthy lifestyles and how to prevent them by doing breast self-exam. At the beginning and end of the activity, participants were given a pretest and posttest to measure their level of knowledge, then continued with a demonstration and redemonstration of breast self-exam practice. The results of the pretest were 66.1% and the posttest was 79.5%, where there was an increase in knowledge about healthy lifestyles and breast self-exam. This increase is expected to be followed by the routine implementation of breast self-exam practices every month, correctly and appropriately, so that the mortality rate of women due to breast cancer can decrease.

Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in ovarian cancer patients from Yunnan Province in southwest China.

Carriers with germline breast cancer 1/2 gene mutations (BRCAm) are likely to develop ovarian cancer (OC). Therefore, identifying these mutations may enable individualized therapy for OC and preventive measures to reduce OC risk in BRCAm carrier families. Thus, we investigated the prevalence of BRCAm in OC patients from Yunnan Province in Southwest China. In total, 674 unselected OC patients were enrolled and tested for BRCAm via next-generation sequencing. Data on clinicopathological characteristics and personal/family history of cancer were collected. The prevalence rates of pathogenic/likely pathogenic BRCAm were 26.6% overall, 20.8% among BRCA1m carriers, 5.5% among BRCA2m carriers, and 0.3% among carriers of both BRCA1m and BRCA2m. The most common pathogenic mutation in the BRCA1 gene was c.5114T>C (n = 9). The number of BRCAm carriers was significantly greater among patients with serous cancer, a personal tumor history, a family history of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC)-related tumors, and bilateral tumors. The most common pathogenic mutation in this cohort was c.5114T>C (n = 9) in BRCA1. The prevalence and spectrum of BRCAm in OC patients from Yunnan Province are different from those in other groups. BRCA status testing is advised for all OC patients, particularly those with a family history of HBOC.

Should We Offer Universal Germline Genetic Testing to All Patients with Pancreatic Cancer? A Multicenter Study.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with a significant percentage of germline pathogenic variants (GPVs). Unlike in the United States, routine universal genetic testing is not performed in Europe. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic yield of germline genetic testing in all patients with PDAC. Individuals with newly diagnosed PDAC from three Spanish hospitals were enrolled, regardless of family history. Thirteen known susceptibility genes for PDAC were studied using a multigene panel or whole-exome sequencing. One hundred seventy-nine PDAC patients underwent genetic testing. Fourteen (7.8%) had a GPV or likely pathogenic variant In the genes studied: six in ATM, six in BRCA2, one in PALB2, and one in TP53. Of these, seven (50%) did not meet the clinical criteria for genetic study and would have been classified as sporadic PDAC. Presenting with a personal history of any other neoplasm was associated with some GPV, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.5 (1.1-11.5). A family history of PDAC and breast cancer was also associated with some GPV, with oRs of 3.7 (1.08-13.6) and 8.5 (2.6-26.6), respectively. None of the patients over 60 years without a relevant family history of malignancies presented a GPV associated with PDAC. In our PDAC cohort, a noteworthy number of GPVs were identified, and half of these patients would have been classified as sporadic based solely on clinical criteria. Genetic testing should always be considered, particularly in patients under 60 years or those with a history of other malignancies, especially where economic resources need optimization.

Gestational breast cancer: distinctive molecular and clinico-epidemiological features

Gestational breast cancer (GBC), defined as breast cancer (BC) diagnosed during pregnancy or the first-year post-partum, accounts for 6–15% of BC cases in women aged 20–44 years. GBC has worse prognosis than non-GBC, but reasons behind are not clear. The GEICAM/2012–03 Study (Molecular Characterization of Gestational Breast Cancer) is a multicenter prospective/retrospective observational registry of patients diagnosed with GBC. From November 2014 to June 2015 seventy patients diagnosed with GBC were included in the study, 30 diagnosed during pregnancy and 40 after delivery. Our current study was aimed to explore differences in epidemiological, clinico-pathological and gene expression features of GBC tumors, from the GEICAM/2012–03 Study, compared to non-GBC tumors from patients of similar age (< 43 years) from six different GEICAM studies, used as non- GBC control population. As per the main objective, the study found multiple differences showing GBC tumors as a different biological entity. GBC showed a more aggressive biology, with higher Ki67 levels, higher incidence of breast and/or ovarian cancer family history, and germline deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations, and are enriched in basal-like intrinsic subtype. GBC patients showed a lower number of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, while specific genetic signatures highlight differences in GBC´s distinctive transcriptome. Our study shows that GBC is potentially a clinically and molecularly different entity, with specific epidemiological, clinical, and histological features, as well as a distinctive altered immune state and genetic signature. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to better understand the biology of GBC and to identify new targets against which develop new, more effective, targeted therapies.

Relationship Between Breast Cancer Fear and Mammography Self-Efficacy among Women over 40 in Babylon, Iraq

Aim: This study aim to determine the relationship between the fear of breast cancer and mammography self-efficacy of women over the age of 40 living in Iraq. Method: The research was conducted with 386 women recruited in the main primary health care centers of Hilla I and II sectors from June 1, 2022, to September 1, 2022. The research is cross-sectional and relational. Data were collected using the form Champion Mammography Self-Efficacy Scale-Arabic version and the Champion Breast Cancer Fear Scale-Arabic version. Results: The mean age of women is 48.46±6.83, 38.6% are university graduates, 75.4% are married, 68.1% have children, 54.7% work, 61.7% income equal to the cost, 76.7% have good health, 91.5% have no family history of breast cancer, 88.3% have no breast problems, 61.1% have received information about breast cancer, 97.2% had no history of breast cancer. 66.6% of women do not do breast self-examination, 77.5% do not have a clinical breast examination, 90.2% have not had mammography before, and nurses or doctors have recommended 6.2% of them. A statistically significant correlation was found between self-efficacy and fear as weakly positive (r=0.147) (p=0.004). Conclusion: It was found that Iraqi women had a high level of mammography self-efficacy and fear of breast cancer. There is a significant relationship between mammography self-efficacy and fear of breast cancer.

The Influence of Hyperlipidemia on the Results of Mammography in Postmenopausal Women

Aim: To determine whether hyperlipidemia causes specific or nonspecific changes that can be detected by mammography in postmenopausal women. Materials and Method: This study was conducted retrospectively and designed as a case-control study in the gynecology clinics of Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women’s Health Education and Training Hospital between January 2017 and January 2020. Healthy postmenopausal women with a total cholesterol (TC) level of 200 mg/dL and above 200 mg/dL, who were examined in our outpatient clinics and whose mammographic controls were performed in our hospital, were included in the study group (Group I). Healthy postmenopausal women with a TC level below 200 mg/dL who were followed up at the same clinic and whose mammographic controls were performed at our clinic were included in the control group (Group II). We analyzed TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides with mammography findings. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age and body mass index. There were no significant differences between smoking status and family history of breast cancer. The BAC and BI-RADS scoring category scores differed significantly (p=0.006 and p=0.042, respectively). Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with hyperlipidemia have mammographic findings that can lead to breast cancer. Considering that hyperlipidemia may also have other causes of morbidity and mortality, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, it is necessary to treat it with lifestyle changes and / or medications. As this was a retrospective study with a limited number of patients, it is clear that future randomized controlled trials could provide more reliable data on this topic.

Characteristics of Chinese breast cancer patients with double heterozygosity for BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline pathogenic variants.

Despite of very rare, breast cancer patients with double heterozygosity (DH) variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been identified in other ethnic groups and seem to be associated with distinctive phenotypes. However, little is known about the frequency and clinical characteristics of Chinese breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 DH variants. Four hundred and eleven unrelated patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variants (PVs) were identified in a large series of unselected breast cancer patients. Another two siblings with metachronous bilateral breast cancer were referred for genetic counseling, after which BRCA1/2 DH variants were detected. Four unrelated breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 DH were identified in the cohort of 411 patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 PVs, the frequency of BRCA1/2 DH was 0.97%. In total, six BRCA1/2 DH patients from five families were found in this study. In two families, the hereditary pattern of DH was speculated to have originated from both sides of the family. BRCA1/2 DH patients were more likely to have a family history of breast cancer than patients with a BRCA1 (100% vs. 29.2%, P = 0.004) or BRCA2 (100% vs. 29.6%, P = 0.004) single PV. BRCA1/2 DH patients were more likely to be triple-negative breast tumors than patients with single BRCA2 PVs (66.7% vs. 14.1%, P = 0.020), which was comparable to the findings in patients with single BRCA1 PVs (66.7% vs. 56.9%, P = 1.00). Chinese patients with BRCA1/2 DH exhibit a high percentage of family history of breast cancer. The tumor pathological features of BRCA1/2 DH carriers are similar to those of BRCA1 PV carriers.

Prediction of breast cancer risk for adolescents and young adults with Hodgkin lymphoma.

While female survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have an increased risk of breast cancer (BC), no BC risk prediction model is available. We developed such models incorporating mean radiation dose to the breast or breast quadrant-specific radiation doses. Relative risks and age-specific incidence for BC and competing events (mortality or other subsequent cancer) were estimated from 1194 Dutch five-year HL survivors, treated at ages 11-40 during 1965-2000. Predictors were doses to ten breast segments or mean breast radiation dose, BC family history, year of and age at HL diagnosis, ages at menopause and first live birth. Models were independently validated using U.S. Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort participants. Predicted absolute BC risks 25 years after HL diagnosis ranged from 1.0% for survivors diagnosed at ages 20-24, with <10 Gy mean breast radiation dose and menopausal 5 years after HL diagnosis, to 22.0% for survivors 25-29 years at diagnosis, ≥25 Gy mean breast dose, and no menopause within 5 years. In external validation, the observed/expected BC case ratio was 1.19 (95% confidence interval 0.97 to 1.47) for the breast segment-specific doses model, and 1.29 (1.05 to 1.60) for the mean breast dose model. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.68 (0.63 to 0.74) and 0.68 (0.62 to 0.73), respectively. Breast segment-specific or mean breast radiation dose with personal and clinical characteristics predicted absolute BC risk in HL survivors with moderate discrimination but good calibration, rendering the models useful for clinical decision-making.

Germline Genetic Susceptibility Testing Among Emirati Nationals at Risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome.

Breast cancer among Emirati patients is characterized by early-onset disease and later stages at presentation. Little is known about the germline genetic variants that may contribute to these observations. The goal of this study is to characterize the rate and implications of germline genetic variants among a cohort of Emirati patients at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. A retrospective study was performed to analyze the results of clinical germline genetic testing (March 2020-January 2023) among a cohort of consecutive Emirati patients at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome: group A: patients with personal history of breast or ovarian cancer (n = 135); group B: unaffected patients with family history of breast or ovarian cancer (n = 37); and group C: patients presenting for cascade testing (n = 20). Management of patients identified to have pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants was analyzed. The rate of P/LP germline variants for each group was: group A: 17.3%, group B: 16.6%, group C: 57.9%. BRCA1 gene was the most commonly identified gene harboring P/LP variants, followed by BRCA2, among this cohort. Four unrelated patients had a recurrent BRCA1 pathogenic variant: c.4065_4068del (p.Asn1355Lysfs*10). Only two patients in this series elected risk-reducing mastectomy and four patients elected risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A higher rate of P/LP variants is seen among Emirati patients at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome compared with reports of similar patients from Western populations. Efforts to increase utilization and awareness of germline genetic testing are warranted among Emirati patients.

Determinants of breast cancer screening behavior amongst Nigerian women using the transtheoretical model

Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst women in developing and developed countries. Breast Self-Examination (BSE), mammography and clinical examination are amongst the most effective methods of early detection, however uptake remains low. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has been used in many other countries to characterize behavioral shifts related to enable the adoption of more focused tactics for improving breast cancer screening behaviors among Nigerian women. A cross-sectional research study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge and uptake of breast cancer screening practice based on the various stages of readiness and change predictors using the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). The model was applied to identify and characterise key behavioural determinants such as decision balance, stage of change, and process of change (POC) for breast cancer screening through breast self-examination and mammography. A total of 265 adult female respondents in Kaduna State, Northwest, Nigeria was sampled out of which ninety-one (91%) had no family history of breast cancer. Although 80.3% had knowledge of breast cancer disease, 68% of respondents knew how to conduct BSE and only 55% practiced it. In terms of BSE behaviour staging, 29.4% and 26.7% respondents are in the preparation and maintenance stages respectively. In terms of mammography adoption, most respondents (34%) are in the preparation stage. Review of process of change determinants show that breast cancer screening behaviour are driven more by experiential determinants as compared to behaviour determinants. Addressing the complex factors influencing BSE and mammography practice requires a comprehensive social behaviour change approach that may sustaining positive behaviour-driving factors and minimise inhibitive factors that can promote breast cancer screening.

PENGETAHUAN REMAJA PUTRI TENTANG KANKER PAYUDARA

The most common cancer case in Indonesia is breast cancer, with 58,256 cases or 16.7% of the total 348,809 cancer cases. Lack of education about breast cancer since adolescence to prevent breast cancer is one of the factors causing the high incidence of breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of teenage girls about breast cancer at SMP Negeri 02 Mandor. This research employs a descriptive-quantitative design. The sample is determined using the stratified random sampling method followed by a simple random sampling method with a total of 116 respondents. Data collection was conducted by a questionnaire divided into respondent characteristics and knowledge about breast cancer. The data analysis technique involves frequency distribution and percentage. The univariate analysis results indicated that the majority of respondents were 13 years old, numbering 52 individuals (44,8%), there were 59 individuals (50,9%) in grade 8,63 individuals (54,3%) had never received information about breast cancer, and 116 individuals (100%) had no family history of breast cancer. There were 65 individuals (56,0%) with a poor knowledge category.

Association between two common SNPs, rs6564851 and rs6420424, and lutein and zeaxanthin levels in a cohort of US postmenopausal women with a family history of breast cancer.

A better understanding of the factors contributing to systemic concentrations of carotenoids is necessary given the weak correlations between circulating levels and dietary intake of carotenoids. Although genetic variation may play a key role in the interindividual variability in carotenoid concentrations, few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have focused on carotenoids. We used a random sample (n = 519) of postmenopausal participants in the Sister Study with data on genotypes and plasma carotenoid levels to conduct GWAS for each of five carotenoids (mcg/mL): alpha-carotene, beta- carotene, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin. We used linear regression models and an additive genetic model to evaluate associations between 371,532 variants and inverse normal transformed carotenoid concentrations. We found evidence for one genome-wide statistically significant association with the combined carotenoids of lutein and zeaxanthin for rs6564851-C (beta = -0.377, se = 0.059, p = 4.6×10-10) and rs6420424-A (beta = -0.334, se = 0.059, p = 2.2×10-8), upstream of beta-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1) gene on chromosome 16. No other variant was associated with any of the remaining four carotenoids. Our results for the common rs6564851 and rs6420424 variants correspond to previous findings. Although biologic mechanisms explain the association between beta-carotene and the variants, the inverse association with lutein/zeaxanthin will require further investigation.

Radon Exposure Is Associated with Breast Cancer Risk: A Long-Term Population-Based Study from Finland

Abstract Background Radon is a common environmental carcinogen. It is not known whether radon exposure and breast cancer risk are associated at the population level. Methods Women continuously living in Finland during the 1987-2016 period were linked to municipality-level indoor radon data annually to estimate their cumulative radon exposure over 30 years. Breast cancer incidence was observed over five years from 2017 onwards. Association between radon exposure and breast cancer incidence was assessed using conditional Cox models adjusted for family history of breast cancer, reproductive history, and socio-demographic covariates. Population attributable fractions (PAF) of breast cancer due to radon exposure were estimated. Robustness analyses were conducted in the population who lived only in houses. Results Among 1,335,947 women, 20,067 breast cancer cases were observed during a median follow-up period of 4.9 years. Among women who were exposed to high levels of radon (&amp;gt;100 Bq/m3), overall breast cancer incidence was 10% higher (Hazard ratio 1·10 [95% CI 1·05-1·16]), duct carcinoma incidence was 6% higher (1·06 [1·00-1·13]), lobular carcinoma incidence was 8% higher (1·08 [0·94-1·23]), and the incidence of other morphological sub-types was 34% higher (1·34 [1·17-1·53]) than among other women. Robust associations with overall breast cancer incidence (1·12 [1·05-1·20]) and the incidence of morphological sub-types in the house sample. Correspondingly, suggestive dose-response associations were observed. Conclusions High radon exposure is associated with elevated breast cancer risk at the population level, and this relationship is independent of well-established risk factors. Key messages • This study investigates the association between long-term radon exposure and breast cancer incidence based on national register data. • High radon exposure is robustly associated with breast cancer risk in general Finnish population.

PALB2 analysis in the diagnostic process of breast cancer: An Italian monocentric experience.

The clinical utility of germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing is well established in patients with family history suggestive for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Recently, germline PALB2 pathogenic variants were also associated with an increased risk of breast and other cancers and, in the Italian population, it has been described in few studies without a systematic germline analysis of BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2. In this study, we described ASST Sette Laghi cancer genetic counselling services' experience in the analysis of 402 patients with suspected breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, by using BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 germline genetic test. The frequency of PALB2 pathogenic variants was 1.2% compared to 3.5% and 3.2% for BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively, whereas class 3 variants were detected in 0.3% and 0.5% of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 investigated patients, respectively. PALB2 pathogenic variants were identified in patients with a strong family history for breast cancer. Moreover, PALB2 variants were significantly associated with a younger age of breast cancer onset (mean age, 40.25 years) compared to wild-type patients (mean age 51.2 years, p-value = 0.0331). Similar to BRCA-associated breast cancer, the majority of PALB2 breast cancers were identified at an advanced clinical stage. Pedigree analysis revealed a family history of breast and ovarian cancer syndrome in all PALB2 pathogenic variants carriers (early breast cancer onset, bilateral breast cancer and ovarian cancer). In conclusion, the germline analysis of BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 should be included in breast cancer clinical practice as a not negligible number of PALB2 carriers could be identified and referred to specific surveillance protocols.

Differential Expression of Circulating miR-195 in a Sample of Iraqi Breast Cancer Patients Associations with Molecular Subtypes and Disease Stages

Breast cancer (BC) is a multifaceted disease characterized by different molecular subtypes and stages. MicroRNAs (miRNAs)are increasingly becoming recognized as valuable tools for predicting and identifying persons with BC, particularly miR-195. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-195 in BC patients and its correlation with demographic and clinical parameters. The study involved 60 female BC patients and 60 healthy controls. Demographic analysis showed that 65% of BC patients have a family history of BC. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was the most prevalent type (85%), and luminal A was the most common molecular subtype (57%). The majority of cases were in stage II (40%) and stage III (36%), with patients primarily in the 40-59 age range (70%). RT-qPCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of miR-195 (6.752 ± 4.06-fold change) in BC patients compared to healthy controls. However, expression levels varied among molecular subtypes and stages. Triple-negative BC patients showed significant downregulation of miR-195 (0.45±0.3-fold change) compared to other subtypes. Similarly, stage IV patients exhibited significant downregulation (0.63±0.24-fold decrease) compared to earlier stages. Interestingly, no significant differences in miR-195 expression were observed among different BC types (IDC, ILC, and others). These findings suggest that miR-195 could potentially serve as a biomarker for BC, particularly in distinguishing molecular subtypes and advanced stages. However, further research is needed to validate its clinical utility and understand its role in BC progression and prognosis.

Abbreviated Breast MRI as a Supplement to Mammography in Family Risk History of Breast Cancer within the Croatian National Breast Screening Program.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of abbreviated breast MRI compared with mammography in women with a family history of breast cancer included in the Croatian National Breast Screening Program. 178 women with a family history of breast cancer aged 50 to 69 underwent abbreviated breast MRI and mammography. Radiological findings for each method were categorized according to the BI-RADS classification. The gold standard for assessing the diagnostic accuracy of breast MRI and mammography, in terms of suspicious BI-RADS 4 and BI-RADS 5 findings, was the histopathological diagnosis. Performance measures, including cancer detection rates, specificity, sensitivity, and positive and negative predictive values, were calculated for both imaging methods. Twelve new cases of breast cancer were detected, with seven (58.3%) identified only by abbreviated breast MRI, four (33.3%) detected by both mammography and breast MRI, and one (8.3%) diagnosed only by mammography. Diagnostic accuracy parameters for abbreviated breast MRI were 91.67% sensitivity, 94.58% specificity, 55.0% positive predictive value (PPV), and 99.37% negative predictive value (NPV), while for mammography, the corresponding values were 41.67%, 96.39%, 45.46%, and 95.81%, respectively. Abbreviated breast MRI is a useful supplement to screening mammography in women with a family history of breast cancer. Considering the results of the conducted research, it is recommended to assess whether women with a family history of breast cancer have an increased risk and subsequently provide annual abbreviated breast MRI in addition to mammography for early detection of breast cancer.

Risk factors for second primary breast cancer by laterality, age, and race and ethnicity.

Epidemiologic studies of risk factors for second primary breast cancer (SBC) have been conducted primarily in non-Hispanic White (NHW) women. A racially- and ethnically-diverse population-based pooled cohort of 9,639 women with first primary stage I-III invasive breast cancer (FBC) was linked with the California Cancer Registry; 618 contralateral SBC (CSBC) and 278 ipsilateral SBC (ISBC), diagnosed >6 months after FBC, were identified. Using Fine and Gray models accounting for competing risks, we assessed associations of CSBC and ISBC risk with FBC clinical characteristics and epidemiologic factors. In younger women (FBC at age <50 years), higher CSBC risk was associated with ER/PR-negative FBC [hazard ratio (HR)=1.68], breast cancer family history (HR = 2.20), and nulliparity (HR = 1.37). In older women (FBC at age ≥50 years), higher risk was associated with breast cancer family history (HR = 1.32), premenopausal status (HR = 1.49), overweight (HR = 1.39), and higher alcohol consumption (HR = 1.34). For ISBC, higher risk was associated with married status (HR = 1.94) in younger women, and overweight (HR = 1.60) among older women. For CSBC, HR estimates were generally similar across racial and ethnic groups. Even after adjustment for these risk factors, compared with NHW women, risk remained elevated for CSBC in younger African American, Asian American, and Hispanic women, and for ISBC in older African American and Hispanic women with ER/PR-positive FBC. Our findings support genetic risk evaluation, enhanced screening, and lifestyle changes in women at higher risk of SBC. Additional risk factors must contribute to the unequal burden of SBC across racial and ethnic groups.

Air Pollution and Breast Cancer Incidence in the Multiethnic Cohort Study.

Recent studies suggested fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure increases the risk of breast cancer, but evidence among racially and ethnically diverse populations remains sparse. Among 58,358 California female participants of the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study followed for an average of 19.3 years (1993-2018), we used Cox proportional hazards regression to examine associations of time-varying PM with invasive breast cancer risk (n = 3,524 cases; 70% African American and Latino females), adjusting for sociodemographics and lifestyle factors. Subgroup analyses were conducted for race and ethnicity, hormone receptor status, and breast cancer risk factors. Satellite-based PM2.5 was associated with a statistically significant increased incidence of breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR] per 10 μg/m3, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.08 to 1.51]). We found no evidence of heterogeneity in associations by race and ethnicity and hormone receptor status. Family history of breast cancer showed evidence of heterogeneity in PM2.5-associations (Pheterogeneity = .046). In a meta-analysis of the MEC and 10 other prospective cohorts, breast cancer incidence increased in association with exposure to PM2.5 (HR per 10 μg/m3 increase, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.00 to 1.10]; P = .064). Findings from this large multiethnic cohort with long-term air pollutant exposure and published prospective cohort studies support PM2.5 as a risk factor for breast cancer. As about half of breast cancer cannot be explained by established breast cancer risk factors and incidence is continuing to increase, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, our results highlight that breast cancer prevention should include not only individual-level behavior-centered approaches but also population-wide policies and regulations to curb PM2.5 exposure.

Role of bone scan for investigation of breast cancer and its applicability in future management.

Objective: To find out the usefulness of bone scan in all stages of breast cancer. Study Design: Prospective Observation Study. Setting: Surgical Unit I &amp; III Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital, Sukkur. Period: October 2020 till September 2022. Methods: A total of 300 patients were selected who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer (Biopsy Proven). Data was collected for all these patients which included age, risk factors for breast cancer, findings on local examination, histopathology findings, stage of the cancer and result of the bone scan. Results: In our study, 78% patients were in 4th and 5th decade of life with mean age of 53.46±7.66 years. ‘Age above 40’ was the commonest risk factor for breast cancer followed by positive family history for breast cancer. Tumor size ranged from 2 to 13.2 cm with mean size of 6.06±1.92 cm. In our study, most common type of carcinoma was invasive ductal carcinoma (71.3%) followed by invasive lobar carcinoma (50%). Only 32 (10.67%) out of 300 patients had positive bone scan. Majority of the bone scan positive cases belonged to the Stage IIIB, IIIC and IV. Conclusion: It is concluded in our study that routine use of bone scan in cases of stage 1 and 2 breast cancer is not recommended; only stage 3A or advances cases should undergo bone scan.

The effect of knowledge and person-related factors on breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2) testing perception in Turkish women.

Genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2) plays a pivotal role in risk assessment and preventive interventions. However, individuals' awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward genetic testing can vary across different societies. This study focuses on understanding Turkish women's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward BRCA1/2 testing, considering demographic factors and awareness. In this cross-sectional study, 301 Turkish participants, including breast/ovarian cancer patients and their first-degree relatives, were surveyed. Information on sociodemographics, cancer history, awareness, knowledge, and perceptions was collected. The study aimed to assess knowledge levels about breast cancer inheritance and BRCA1/2 testing, describe perspectives about testing in women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and determine associations between knowledge, personal factors, anxiety, and genetic testing perspectives. Results showed a wide range in correct responses (31.6%-96.7%) for knowledge items. No significant relationship between knowledge levels and positive perception was observed. However, participants answering a specific question incorrectly showed higher negative perceptions. While most participants recognized the benefits of genetic testing, concerns centered around passing the genes to future generations. Participants who were younger, more educated, had higher income, were employed, at an earlier disease stage, and were social media users demonstrated more positive attitudes. Negative perceptions were higher among younger patients, physicians, and healthcare professionals. Interestingly, anxiety in cancer patients did not correlate with either positive or negative perceptions. In conclusion, this study identifies participant-related factors influencing perceptions of hereditary genetic tests. Understanding these factors and addressing associated issues can enhance the utilization of genetic testing and promote preventive oncology applications.