Risk Factor For Cancer Research Articles

Awareness of the Link Between Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Head and Neck Cancer Among the General Population and Practitioners: A Literature Review

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is responsible for 4.5% of cancers worldwide, i.e., for around 630,000 new cases per year. Around 38,000 cases per year of HPV-related cancers arise in the head and neck region, of which 21,000 cases are oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs), with an increasing frequency in high-income countries. In our work, we aimed to collect the available evidence about the awareness of the relation between HPV infection and head and neck cancer among patients and practitioners. Methods: This review was based on all available prospective and retrospective studies, case reports, and review articles published up to May 2024 in PubMed. The search keywords used included “human papilloma virus” plus “head and neck cancer”, “awareness”, “infection”, “vaccination”, “awareness in patients and practitioners”, “oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma”, “HPV16-18”, “HPV awareness”, “cervical cancer”. Results: In the U.S.A., with more than 150.00 participants interviewed through different studies, the identification of HPV infection as a risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC) was made by only 12–39% of the participants. Similar conclusions were drawn from European studies in which only 10–52% of the participants recognized HPV as a risk factor for HNC. HPV-related HNC awareness in health care providers and medical/dental students showed a high variability among studies, being otolaryngology and dental sciences specialists the most conscious in comparison to general practitioners, who demonstrated a low level of awareness. Conclusions: There is a dangerous lack of awareness about HPV infection and its potential role in HNC among both general populations and health care practitioners. A great effort should be made to increase awareness in both practitioners and the general population on this topic, also aiming to increase the HPV vaccination coverage.

Spherical covalent-organic framework-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry reveals the promotional effect of triphenyl phosphate on breast cancer in mice

Triphenyl phosphate (TPP), a wide-used organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), is suspected to be a risk factor for the female-specific cancers, but underlying toxicity mechanisms of environmentally relevant dose exposure remain unclear. Herein, a strategy of spherical covalent organic framework (TPB-BPTP-COF)-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS), which benefited from fast analysis speed, facile sample preprocessing, and high throughput, was proposed for unveiling the biomarkers of breast cancer (BC) and the relationship between TPP exposure and progression of BC in mice by serum metabolism analysis. The results displayed that 13 metabolites associated with BC development were up-regulated in experimental group versus healthy control mice. Moreover, long-term exposure to environmentally relevant doses of TPP was found to promote BC, mainly by affecting glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyrimidine metabolism, pantothenic acid and CoA biosynthesis, and β-alanine metabolism. This work proved the potential application of COFs as LDI-MS substrates in analyzing complex biological samples, and also revealed the risk of long-term low-dose exposure to TPP in the development of BC.

Curcumin attenuates smoking and drinking activated NF-κB/IL-6 inflammatory signaling axis in cervical cancer

BackgroundHigh-risk strains of HPV are known to cause cervical cancer. Multiple clinical studies have emphasized that smoking and drinking are critical risk factors for cervical cancer and its high-grade precursors. In this study, we investigated if smoking and/or drinking augment the molecular mechanisms of cervical carcinogenesis and defined a potential therapeutic approach for their attenuation.MethodsThe impact of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and/or ethanol (EtOH) exposure on cervical cancer cells was assessed by measuring changes in their cell migration and invasion characteristics. Expression of HPV16 E6/E7, NF-κB, cytokines, and inflammation mediators was determined using qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, ELISA, luciferase reporter assay, and confocal microscopy. Herein, we used curcumin (Cur), and PLGA nanoparticle formulation of curcumin (PLGA-Cur) and determined effectiveness of free Cur and PLGA-Cur formulation on smoking and drinking activated NF-κB/IL-6 mediated inflammatory signaling pathways using in vitro cervical cancer models.ResultsTreatments with B[a]P and/or EtOH altered the expression of HPV16 E6/E7 oncogenes and EMT markers in cervical cancer cells; it also enhanced migration and invasion. In addition, B[a]P and/or EtOH exposure promoted inflammation pathways through TNF-α and NF-κB signaling, leading to IL-6 upregulation and activation of VEGF. The molecular effects caused by B[a]P and/or EtOH exposure were effectively attenuated by curcumin (Cur)/PLGA-Cur treatment.ConclusionsThese data suggest a molecular link between smoking, drinking, and HPV infectivity in cervical carcinogenesis. In addition, attenuation of these effects by treatment with Cur/PLGA-Cur treatment, implies the role of curcumin in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

Mammographic density and breast cancer risk among Black American women.

High mammographic density is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer; however, data from Black women are limited. It is largely unknown how mammographic density is associated with breast cancer subtypes among Black women. We examined the association between percent mammographic density (PMD) and breast cancer risk among participants in the Black Women's Health Study. Digital screening mammograms were available for 363 cases and 5541 non-cases. Cumulus software was used to assess PMD. We used inverse probability of sampling weights and Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age and body mass index, to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) overall and by age at mammography and estrogen receptor (ER) status of the breast tumors. Multivariable models included additional breast cancer risk factors. Tests of statistical significance were 2-sided. In simple models, women in the highest quartile of PMD had 53% increased odds of breast cancer compared to those in the lowest quartile (HR 1.53; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.11). HRs were 1.37 (95% CI: 0.83, 2.24) among women <55 years of age and 1.68 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.56) among women aged ≥55 years. HRs were 1.49 (95% CI: 1.02, 2.16) for ER+ cancer and 1.45 (95% CI: 0.73, 2.87) for ER- cancer. Associations were largely unchanged in multivariable models. In this study of U.S. Black women, higher PMD was associated with ER+ and ER- breast cancer risk. Findings from this study reinforce the importance of breast density as a risk factor for breast cancer in Black women.

Evolving trends in oral cancer burden in Europe: a systematic review

IntroductionOral cavity cancer (OCC), primarily oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is a growing concern in Europe, particularly among younger populations. Preventable lifestyle factors and social determinants of health contribute significantly to the disease burden. Limited access to healthcare and delayed diagnoses further complicate treatment and reduce survival rates.MethodsThis systematic literature review adhered to PRISMA guidelines to explore trends in OSCC epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and survival across Europe. A comprehensive search strategy using PubMed, GLOBOCAN data, and the EUROCARE-5 study identified relevant articles focusing on human populations in Europe with a primary interest in OSCC epidemiology. Only peer-reviewed publications in English with full-text access were included.ResultsThis study investigated the burden of OSCC across Europe, revealing variations in incidence, mortality, and prognosis. Eastern and Central Europe displayed the highest burden. Males exhibited a significantly higher risk compared to females. Age-related disparities existed in life expectancy and time to achieve favorable outcomes. HPV emerged as a growing risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer. Public health strategies should target modifiable risk factors and improve early detection.ConclusionThis review reveals concerning disparities in European OSCC. Region, sex, and age all influence burden and prognosis. Future research should focus on controlling risk factors and personalized medicine to optimize treatment. This will lead to a Europe with reduced OSCC incidence and demonstrably better patient outcomes.

Increasing rates of early-onset Luminal A breast cancers correlate with binge drinking patterns

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) rates have been increasing in young women in the U.S. Alcohol is an established risk factor for breast cancer and has been consistently associated with hormone receptor positive cancers, the type of breast cancer that has been increasing the fastest in young women. Given these trends, we conducted an ecological study to examine whether alcohol consumption, and specifically binge drinking trends, were correlated with female breast cancer diagnosed under 40 years of age using breast cancer data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Cancer Registry. We accounted for a latent period before cancer diagnosis by using exposure 10 years before the outcome (lag model); we also conducted a separate cumulative analysis of 10-year aggregate exposure.FindingsModerate (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.05, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.02–1.07) and heavy (IRR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07)(≥ 1 and ≥ 2 drinks/day, respectively) alcohol consumption were each associated with Luminal A breast cancer but not the other molecular subtypes. Binge drinking was associated with an increased rate of early-onset Luminal A BC in both the 10-year lag model (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.11) and the cumulative model (IRR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07). Binge drinking was also associated with early-onset Luminal B BC in the cumulative model (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07), but not associated with ERBB2-enriched or triple negative early-onset BC in either model.ConclusionThese trends support the hypothesis that one reason for the increase in early-onset breast cancer is from increased alcohol intake including binge drinking.

Warmer Temperatures Are More Predictive Than Solar Radiation for the Number of Skin Cancer Removal Procedures.

Solar radiation is the primary risk factor for skin cancer, with personal exposure influenced by environmental and behavioral factors. At higher temperatures, behavioral changes increase solar radiation exposure. Examine the relationships between solar radiation, ambient temperature, age, and skin cancer. For the contiguous United States, we obtained the state mean global horizontal irradiance (GHI), daily maximum temperature, and number of skin cancer removals in the Medicare population. For skin cancer removals, we defined more sun-exposed skin as the head, neck, hands, and feet, and less sun-exposed skin as the trunk, arms, and legs. By comparing the temperature thresholds 17°C, 20°C, 24°C, 27°C, 31°C, and 34°C, we found that the annual number of days above 24°C was the strongest temperature-related predictor of skin cancer removals. Multivariable linear regression showed that the number of days above 24°C predicted more skin cancer removals for all body locations and less sun-exposed skin (p = 0.008 and p = 0.003, respectively), while GHI did not (p = 0.1 and p = 0.8, respectively). GHI only predicted more skin cancer removals for more sun-exposed skin (p = 0.02). More days above 24°C was a better predictor of skin cancer removals than GHI for all skin locations and less sun-exposed skin, suggesting that the behavioral changes occurring at warmer temperatures are more predictive of skin cancer removals than solar irradiance. Due to rising global temperatures, skin cancer incidence may further increase. Temperature-related behavioral changes represent a potential target for skin cancer prevention efforts.

The Effect of Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Education on Vaccination Perception in University Students: A Quasi-Experimental Controlled Educational Intervention.

Purpose: The study investigated the impact of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine education on university students' vaccination perceptions. Methods: This research was conducted with pre- posttest and quasi-experimental design with students enrolled in the department of health services of a university. The sample of the study consisted of 87 students (n = 43 in the intervention group, n = 44 in the control group). Research data were collected between June 29 and July 22, 2022, using the Introductory Information Form and HPV Information Scale. An informative training program about cervical cancer and HPV was applied to the intervention group. This training program was carried out in two separate sessions. In the first session, information was given about the prevalence, pathology, and risk factors of cervical cancer. In the second session, general information about HPV, details about the vaccine, and vaccination programs were given. Training sessions are organized as small group discussions and seminars covering relevant topics. Results: In our study, the average age of our students was 20.7 ± 2.5 years, and in both groups, the proportion of students who did not know about HPV, which can cause cervical cancer, was quite high (74.4%, 68.2%). The majority of the control and intervention groups needed health education about STDs. There were statistically significant differences between the control and intervention groups in terms of the pre-test and posttest Knowledge of HPV Scale scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that the education on cervical cancer and HPV positively affected the perspectives of the students on vaccination. Interactive and group-oriented education increases knowledge sharing by encouraging interaction among students. In this way, a broader knowledge base about cervical cancer and HPV can be created, and misinformation can be corrected.

Design of a Mindfulness intervention to reduce risk factors for colorectal cancer among at-risk Black women in Chicago.

Chronic stress can directly and indirectly promote carcinogenesis through immune, metabolic, and microbial pathways. Our overarching hypothesis is that reducing chronic stress will have important implications for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk reduction among vulnerable and high-risk populations. A promising approach for reducing chronic stress is Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a meditation-based technique that achieves a state of mind that is used to experience higher awareness or consciousness. Existing small studies suggest Mindfulness can positively regulate stress response in a way that translates to anti-cancer effects, including reduced systemic inflammation. We propose to evaluate an 8-week Mindfulness intervention delivered in a hybrid format (synchronous and asynchronous sessions) among 40 Black women at elevated risk of CRC who reside in vulnerable communities and who report moderate to high perceived stress. At baseline and post-intervention, participants will provide blood, hair, and stool, undergo body composition analysis, and complete mood and lifestyle-related surveys. The specific aims are to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and explore changes on stress, weight, fasting glucose, inflammation markers, and the gut microbiota - risk markers and risk pathways associated with CRC. The data generated through this project will inform if Mindfulness is a feasible option for CRC risk reduction among high-risk individuals.

Increased red cell superoxide dismutase activity is associated with cancer risk: A Hidaka cohort study.

Superoxide dismutase catalyzes the highly reactive superoxide anion to form hydrogen peroxide, which facilitates cell proliferation and death. We investigated whether red cell superoxide dismutase (R-SOD) activity is associated with an increased risk of cancer in a Japanese general population. We prospectively analyzed data from 1,921 participants (800 men, 1,121 women; age, 58.7 ± 14.7 years) in a Hidaka cohort study. After a median follow-up period of 10.9 years, 160 participants had developed cancer. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate quartile-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) for cancer risk. After adjustment for potential cancer risk factors including age, sex, current smoking habit, alcohol use, physical activities, body-mass index, plasma immunoreactive insulin, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, we found a significant association between R-SOD activity and an increased risk of cancer (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.03-2.52; P = 0.037). In analyses conducted separately by sex, a significant association was found in men (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.35-4.59; P = 0.003) but not women (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.70-3.05; P = 0.320). After excluding participants who developed cancer within 5 years of the baseline survey, the association was more evident in men (HR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.88-11.45; P = 0.001). We found no association with cancer risk in women (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.39-2.65; P = 0.983). Increased R-SOD activities were associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly in men in this population.

Prostaglandin E2 suppresses KCNH1 gene expression and inhibits the proliferation of CaSki cervical cells through its four prostanoid PTGER subtypes

The main risk factor for cervical cancer is the persistent infection of high-risk HPV subtypes, notably HPV16. Another contributing factor is proinflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a lipid abundantly found in seminal fluid. PGE2, along with its receptors (PTGER1-4), contributes to cancer development; however, its specific role in the proliferation of cervical cancer models with high HPV16 copy numbers remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of PGE2 on the proliferation of CaSki cells, a cell line with a high HPV16 viral load. Surprisingly, PGE2 inhibited CaSki cell proliferation, while it increased the proliferation of SiHa, HeLa, and C-33 A cervical cancer cells. The effect of PGE2 on CaSki cell proliferation was specific, as estradiol increased cell growth. Furthermore, PGE2 suppressed expression and promoter activity of the cervical tumoral marker KCNH1. To discern the specific role of each receptor in cell proliferation, we generated stable CaSki cell lines overexpressing each receptor alongside control cells with an empty vector. Notably, PGE2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation in all stable transfected CaSki cells, suppressing oncogenic KCNH1 expression and its promoter activity. In conclusion, our findings indicate that PGE2 inhibits the proliferation of CaSki cervical cancer cells with a high HPV16 load, at least in part, by suppressing the expression of the oncogenic KCNH1 gene.

Association of eczema with risk of pan-cancers: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Abstract Background Both eczema and tumor are associated with immune disorders. Although several investigations have observed the relationship between eczema and certain cancers, evidence for causality is lacking. Methods We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to examine and explore the genetic association between eczema and pan-cancers. Upon satisfying the three core assumptions of MR, we analyzed the causality between eczema and 15 site-specific cancers utilizing an inverse variance weighted method. We verified the results through a series of sensitivity and reverse direction analyses. The exposure and outcome datasets were substituted from the FinnGen and genome-wide association studies catalog databases. A meta-analysis on primary and validation analyses was performed to combine the estimates of MR study. Results Based on the MR analysis results, eczema was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.0427, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0082–1.0783, P = 0.0148) and brain cancer (OR = 1.0285, 95% CI = 1.0120–1.0452, P = 0.0007) and decreased risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 0.9324, 95% CI = 0.8774–0.9909, P = 0.0242) and malignant neoplasm of the kidney (OR = 0.9323, 95% CI = 0.8834–0.9839, P = 0.0108). The sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were stable and reliable, and the reverse MR analyses demonstrated no causation between the cancers of interest and eczema. Conclusions Our results identified eczema as a genetic risk factor for lung and brain cancer and a protective factor for colorectal cancer and malignant neoplasm of the kidney. No connection was observed between eczema and other cancers. Further evidence from epidemiological and mechanistic studies is needed to elucidate these findings in detail.

How Do Health Information Scanning and Seeking Influence Excessive Alcohol Drinking Among Chinese Hypertensive Drinkers? A Moderated Mediation Analysis.

China has a longstanding tradition of alcohol consumption, yet excessive drinking poses significant health risks, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension. While existing literature indicates that both health information scanning and seeking behaviors can impact health beliefs and actions, their effects on alcohol prevention remain understudied. Utilizing data from a national survey in China, this study investigates the influence of health information scanning and seeking on alcohol risk knowledge and the frequency of excessive drinking among hypertensive drinkers. Results demonstrate that both health information scanning (b = -.018, p < .05) and seeking (b = -.030, p < .001) are negatively associated with excessive alcohol consumption indirectly through heightened awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer. However, health information scanning is positively linked to excessive drinking directly (b = .203, p < .01). Additionally, cancer information overload positively moderates the relationship between awareness of alcohol as a cancer risk factor and excessive drinking (b = .148, p < .001). Hypertensive drinkers who experience lower levels of cancer information overload are more inclined to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. These findings underscore the different roles of health information scanning and seeking on alcohol control. It is important to implement interventions aimed at encouraging active information seeking and mitigating information overload. Educational programs should be promoted to help high-risk groups accurately understand the risk of excessive drinking.

Perceptions and attitudes about the contribution of the environment to childhood cancer: a pilot study in a medical guild and undergraduate students

BackgroundIdentifying and recognizing environmental risk factors for childhood cancer is crucial to prevent it. Medical guild are the first contact to monitor children’s health. Therefore, courses about the contribution of chemical toxins in the environment and health outcomes such as cancer should be included in their professional training. This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions and attitudes of a medical guild and undergraduate students in health sciences about the contribution of the environment to childhood cancer.MethodsA pilot study was conducted, an online survey including thirteen questions was shared among medical guild members and undergraduate students in health sciences. Frequencies, percentages, and chi-square homogeneity tests were calculated to compare groups.ResultsGenetic factors ranked as the first possible cause of childhood cancer (88.2% medical guild and 97.7% undergraduate students). However, 70.6% of medical guild and 64.6% of undergraduate students reported that they have ever suspected that childhood cancer could be related to the environmental conditions in which children live. More than 95% of the participants reported that they would find it useful to have more knowledge about environmental risks and cancer. When data were analyzed by profession (medical guild) and academic year (undergraduate students), no significant differences were observed. Nonetheless, comparisons by academic discipline between undergraduate students, showed that a higher percentage of medicine and environmental sciences and health (over 98%) reported environmental exposure as risk factors associated with childhood cancer compared to 75% from physiotherapy, (p = 0.001).ConclusionsIn this study, the environmental contribution to childhood cancer is not clear among the medical guild and undergraduate students. They should be trained on the topic of cancer and the environment.

Artificial intelligence-driven skin aging simulation as a novel skin cancer prevention.

Skin cancer, a prevalent cancer type among fair-skinned patients globally, poses a relevant public health concern due to rising incidence rates. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses a major risk factor for skin cancer. However intentional tanning associated with sunburns remains a common practice, notably among female adults Appropriate prevention campaigns targeting children and adolescents are needed to improve sun-protection behavior particularly in these age groups. The aim of our study is to investigate if an AI-based simulation of facial skin aging can enhance sun-protection behavior in female adults. In this single-center prospective observational pilot study at Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital of Basel, we took photographs of healthy young females' faces with a VISIA-CR camera (Canfield Scientific Inc., Parsippany, New Jersey, Version 8.2) between February to March 2021. Digital images were performed in three angles (straight, left 45°, right 45°). All participants received an AI-based simulation of their facial skin with continuous aging to 80 years. A newly created anonymous questionnaire capturing participants' sociodemographic data and also tanning and sun-protection behavior was completed in pre- and post-aging simulation. To observe long-term effects, a 2-year follow-up was conducted between March to April 2023. The 60 participants (mean age 23.6±2.5 years) evaluated the importance of sun-protection significantly higher after skin aging simulation with VISIA-CR camera (p&lt;0.0001; 95%-CI:8.2-8.8). Post-intervention, 91.7% (55/60) of the females were motivated to reduce UV exposure and to intensify UV protection in the future since the individual UV-dependent risk was perceived significantly higher (p&lt;0.001; 95%-CI: 5.9-6.7). At two-year follow-up, 96% (24/25) indicated persistent effort reducing UV exposure. The preference for SPF50+ sunscreen increased to 46.7% (28/65) directly after the skin-aging simulation and continued to rise up to 60.0% (15/25) after two years. Our data emphasize the potential of AI-assisted photo-aging interventions to enhance motivation for UV protection in the short and the long term We encourage that different age and gender groups are addressed in a personalized, generation-specific manner with the appropriate media and by considering the Hawthorne effect. Campaigns with visual AI support can improve the intent of cancer-preventative behavior.

Identification of sequence polymorphism in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA as a risk factor for breast cancer.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations affect the efficiency of the electron transport chain and production of reactive oxygen species, contributing to carcinogenesis. The D-loop region of mtDNA has emerged as a variation hotspot region in human neoplasia; however, the potential contribution of these variations in breast cancer risk prediction remains unknown. We investigated the relationship between germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the entire D-loop region and breast cancer risk in Chinese women. Peripheral blood-isolated mtDNA from 2329 patients with breast cancer and 2328 cancer-free controls was examined for SNPs. In the combined cohort, we used traditional risk factors, susceptibility germline polymorphisms, and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the predictive value of susceptibility variants for breast cancer risk. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) as a measure. We also measured the content of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Individual polymorphisms SNP573 were significantly associated with breast cancer risk in both the discovery and validation cohorts. In the combined cohort, the AUC of the traditional risk factors was 64.3%; after adding susceptibility variants, the AUC was 64.9% (DeLong test, p = 0.007). 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in patients with breast cancer than in controls and higher in individuals with SNP573 than in those negative for this variation. Overall, oxidative stress might be associated with the risk of breast cancer, and SNP573 might be associated with oxidative stress. Our results indicate the risk potential of polymorphisms in the D-loop region in breast cancer in Southern China.

Analysis of Risk Factors with Assessment of the Impact of the Microbiome on the Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx.

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranks sixth among cancers in the world, and the 5-year survival rate ranges from 25% to 60%. The risk factors for HNSCC are primarily smoking, alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV). Data indicate that 15-20% of cancers are caused by infectious agents, 20-30% by smoking and 30-35% by unhealthy lifestyles, diet, lack of physical activity and obesity. Dysbiosis is a microbiome imbalance, which promotes oncogenesis by intensifying inflammatory processes and affecting the host's metabolism. Profiling the microbiome in various types of cancer is currently the subject of research and analysis. However, there is still little information on the correlation of the microbiome with HNSCC and its impact on oncogenesis, the course of the disease and its treatment. Objective: The aim of the study was to prospectively assess risk factors with assessment of the impact of the microbiome on the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. The study included a group of 44 patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and 30 patients from the control group. Results: In the control group, bacteria of the normal microbiome dominated-the genus Streptococcus, Gemella, Neisseria and Kingella. In the group of patients with laryngeal cancer, Prevotella, Clostridiales and Stomatobaculum were found significantly more often. Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, Actinobacteria, Actinomyces and Shaalia odontolytica were also found at a higher percentage in the study group. Analyzing the phylum, Firmicutes dominated in the control group; there were statistically significantly more of them than in patients from the study group. Bacteroides and Bacillota were found significantly more often in patients with laryngeal cancer. Conclusions: The importance of the microbiome in oncology has been confirmed in many studies. Independent risk factors for laryngeal cancer were primarily a lower number of Firmicutes in the microbiome, but also an increased leukocyte level above 6.52 × 103/mm and a decreased total protein level below 6.9 g/dL. Prevotella, Clostridiales, Stomatobaculum, Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, Actinobacteria, Actinomyces and Shaalia were considered to be the bacteria contributing to the development of laryngeal cancer. Streptococcus, Gemella, Neisserie and Kingella were considered to be protective bacteria. Moreover, the study confirmed the significant impact of smoking, alcohol consumption and poor oral hygiene on the development of laryngeal cancer. The microbiome, its identification and manipulation may constitute a breakthrough discovery for improving the diagnosis and oncological therapy of laryngeal cancer, and also of the entire group of HNSCC. Profiling the microbiome may allow for personalized therapy related to its modification. Assessing the microbiome of patients diagnosed with cancer may provide an opportunity to predict treatment response and effectiveness.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Oral Cancer Among Dental Students From Two Private Colleges in Pakistan: A Comparative Study

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Oral Cancer Among Dental Students From Two Private Colleges in Pakistan: A Comparative Study

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.

SuppClinical guidelines for the management of mammographic density: A systematic review of breast screening guidelines worldwide.

High breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and decreases the sensitivity of mammography. This systematic review synthesizes the international clinical guidelines and the evidence base for screening and supplemental screening recommendations in women with dense breasts. A systematic search of CINHAL, Embase and Medline databases was performed in August 2023 and grey literature searched in January 2024. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility and quality (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument). Of 3,809 articles, 23 guidelines published from 2014 to 2024 were included. The content and quality varied between the guidelines; the average AGREE II total score was 58% (range, 23% to 87%). Most guidelines recommended annual or biennial screening mammography for women over 40 years with dense breasts (n = 16). Other guidelines recommended breast tomosynthesis (DBT, n = 6) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, n = 1) as the preferred screening modality. A third of the guidelines (n = 8) did not recommend supplemental screening for women with dense breasts. Of those which recommended supplemental screening (n = 14), ultrasound was the preferred modality (n = 7), with MRI (n = 3), DBT (n = 3) and contrast-enhanced mammography (n = 2) also recommended. Consensus on supplemental screening in women with dense breasts is lacking. The quality of the guidelines is variable, and recommendations are largely based on low-quality evidence. As evidence of the benefits versus harms of supplemental screening in women with dense breasts is evolving, it is imperative to improve the methodological quality of breast cancer screening and supplemental screening guidelines.