Role In Breast Cancer Prevention Research Articles

Exploring the Anti-Carcinogenic Effect of Choline in Limiting the Progression of Breast Cancer in Females

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among females worldwide, influenced by genetic, environmental, and dietary factors. Choline, an essential nutrient, plays a crucial role in cell membrane integrity and DNA methylation, which are significant for maintaining genomic stability.Objective: This review aims to explore the anti-carcinogenic effects of choline in limiting the progression of breast cancer.Methods: A narrative review was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, to identify relevant studies. Data were extracted from observational studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses that focused on choline intake and breast cancer risk. Studies were appraised using established quality assessment tools.Results: Evidence suggests that adequate choline intake is linked to reduced breast cancer risk through its role in DNA methylation and gene regulation. However, findings are inconsistent due to genetic variations and methodological differences.Conclusion: While choline shows potential as a protective nutrient, further research is needed to clarify its role in breast cancer prevention, considering genetic and dietary variations

Aspirin Metabolites and Mammographic Breast Density in Premenopausal Women.

Studies investigating the associations of self-reported aspirin use and mammographic breast density (MBD) have reported conflicting results. Therefore, we investigated the associations of aspirin metabolites with MBD in premenopausal women. We performed this study on 705 premenopausal women who had a fasting blood draw for metabolomic profiling. We performed covariate-adjusted linear regression models to calculate the least square means of volumetric measures of MBD [volumetric percent density (VPD), dense volume (DV), and nondense volume (NDV)] by quartiles of aspirin metabolites [salicyluric glucuronide, 2-hydroxyhippurate (salicylurate), salicylate, and 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid]. Approximately 13% of participants reported taking aspirin in the past 12 months. Aspirin users had higher levels of 2-hydroxyhippurate (salicylurate), salicylate, and salicyluric glucuronide (peak area) than nonusers, but only the mean peak area of salicyluric glucuronide was increased by both dose (1-2 tablets per day = 1,140,663.7 and ≥3 tablets per day = 1,380,476.0) and frequency (days per week: 1 day = 888,129.3, 2-3 days = 1,199,897.9, and ≥4 days = 1,654,637.0). Aspirin metabolites were not monotonically associated with VPD, DV, or NDV. Given the null results, additional research investigating the associations of aspirin metabolites in breast tissue and MBD is necessary. Impact: Elucidating the determinants of MBD, a strong risk factor for breast cancer, can play an important role in breast cancer prevention. Future studies should determine the associations of nonaspirin NSAID metabolites with MBD.

Fenretinide in Young Women at Genetic or Familial Risk of Breast Cancer: A Placebo-Controlled Biomarker Trial.

Fenretinide exhibits beneficial effects on the metabolic profile, supporting its clinical use in breast cancer prevention especially in premenopausal women with a positive family history and pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 genes. This finding requires further investigations in larger trials to confirm its role in breast cancer prevention.

Hemophilus influenzae Infection's Association With Decreased Risk of Breast Cancer.

Hemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a common cause of widespread bacterial infections and has been associated with the stabilization of the microbiome. The microbiome, through modulating systemic inflammation with possible upregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, may potentiate the development of breast cancer (BC). The purpose of this study was to therefore evaluate the correlation between previous H. influenzae infection and the incidence of BC. A large national database was used to collect International Classification of Disease Ninth and Tenth Codes to evaluate the incidence of BC between January 2010 and December 2019 in patients with and without H. influenzae history. A retrospective cohort study was performed where these groups of individuals were matched by age range, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and antibiotic treatment exposure. Significance and relative risk were obtained using standard statistical procedures. A total of 13,599 patients were matched by age range and CCI in both the experimental and control groups. BC incidence was 259 (1.905%) in the H. influenzae group compared to 686 (5.044%) in the control group (P < 2.2 × 10-16; odds ratio (OR) = 0.604, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.553 - 0.660). Matching by antibiotic treatment exposure resulted in two groups of 3,189 patients, in which BC incidence was 98 (3.073 %) in the H. influenzae group compared to 171 (5.362%) in the control group (P < 2.2 × 10-16; OR = 0.584, 95% CI: 0.515 - 0.661). The study shows a statistically significant correlation between H. influenzae and a reduced incidence of BC. These results warrant further research regarding H. influenzae's role in upregulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and its potential role in BC prevention and treatment.

Contact thermography - a modern method and its role in breast cancer prevention.

Breast cancer is one of the most common oncological conditions among Polish women and is a serious health, social, as well as economic problem. Knowledge of early cancer detection methods, risk factors and prevention methods are key issues in the fight against breast cancer in women. Introduction of modern technologies using contact thermography can be both practical and complementary diagnostic method in relation to mammography or ultrasonography of mammary gland.

Targeting Breast Cancer-Derived Stem Cells by Dietary Phytochemicals: A Strategy for Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

Simple SummaryLuminal A subtype breast cancer is the most prevalent form of breast malignancy with frequent diagnosis in women. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a rare population of cells present therein that cause cancer aggressiveness, relapse, drug-resistance, poor therapeutic outcome and a decrease in overall survival of these patients. The published literature indicates that dietary phytochemicals have the potential to target stemness and self-renewal properties in luminal A-derived BCSCs. The aim of this review is to highlight the anticancer potential of dietary phytochemicals against luminal A-derived BCSCs and their underlying mechanism(s). These findings necessitate in-depth preclinical and clinical studies on phytochemicals to explore their role in breast cancer prevention and treatment.Breast cancer is heterogeneous disease with variable prognosis and therapeutic response. Approximately, 70% of diagnosed breast cancer represents the luminal A subtype. This subpopulation has a fair prognosis with a lower rate of relapse than the other clinical subtypes. Acquisition of stemness in luminal A subtype modifies the phenotype plasticity to accomplish increased aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, targeting luminal A-derived breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) could be a promising strategy for its prevention and treatment. Extensive studies reveal that dietary phytochemicals have the potential to target BCSCs by modulating the molecular and signal transduction pathways. Dietary phytochemicals alone or in combination with standard therapeutic modalities exert higher efficacy in targeting BCSCs through changes in stemness, self-renewal properties and hypoxia-related factors. These combinations offer achieving higher radio- and chemo- sensitization through alteration in the key signaling pathways such as AMPK, STAT3, NF-ĸB, Hedgehog, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Notch, GSK3β, and Wnt related to cancer stemness and drug resistance. In this review, we highlight the concept of targeting luminal A-derived BCSCs with dietary phytochemicals by summarizing the pathways and underlying mechanism(s) involved during therapeutic resistance.

Modulatory potential of Tamarindus indica seed coat on oestrogen and progestone secretion in MCF-7 cell lines

According to epidemiological research, the consumption of phytoestrogen rich foods has been shown to reduce the development of hormone dependent breast cancer. Phytoestrogens improved the efficacy of ongoing chemotherapy. Recent research indicates that polyphenols found in the tamarind seed coat have anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the modulatory potential of methanolic extract of seed coat of T. indica on oestrogen and progesterone production in MCF-7 cancer cell line. T. indica seeds were procured locally, shade dried and the seed coat was removed and extracted with methanol, followed by concentration of the extract using a rotary vacuum evaporator. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of seed coat extract was performed. The cytotoxicity of T. indica seed coat was assessed in MCF-7 cells using MTT assay and the IC50 was determined. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, phenolic compounds, diterpenes, saponins, glycosides and tannins were discovered by qualitative phytochemical analysis. T. indica seed coat decreased cell viability in a dose dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 16 µg/mL. There was dose dependent decrease in oestrogen concentration, whereas the progesterone concentration was found to be increased after 96hrs of treatment with the extract. From the study it could be concluded that methanolic extract of T. indica showed cytotoxicity in vitro against MCF-7 cell lines and it positively modulated progesterone secretion and negatively modulated oestrogen concentration in a time dependent fashion in MCF-7 cell lines. Present in vitro study shows that methanolic extract seed coat of T. indica may have promising role in breast cancer prevention, hence it can be used to develop novel compounds against hormone dependent breast cancer.

Abstract P1-09-06: Insulinemic potential of diet and risk of total and subtypes of breast cancer among US women

Abstract Background: Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia play important roles in the progression of multiple chronic disease and conditions. Diet modulates insulin response; however, evidence is limited regarding whether diet with higher insulinemic potential is associated with invasive breast cancer risk.Objectives: We prospectively evaluated the association between adherence to a food-based empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH) and the incidence of invasive breast cancer.Methods: We prospectively followed 76,595 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS, 1984-2016) and 93,295 women from the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII, 1991-2017). Diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaires every 4 years. The insulinemic potential of diet was evaluated using the EDIH that was pre-defined based on circulating C-peptide concentrations. Higher scores indicate higher insulinemic potential, while lower scores indicate lower insulinemic potential.Results: During 4,215,162 person-years of follow-up, we documented 10,595 breast cancer cases (6,639 NHS; 3,914 NHSII). Being in the highest, compared with the lowest, EDIH quintile was associated with higher breast cancer risk (HRQ5vsQ1 1.18; 95% CI 1.10, 1.27; P-trend&amp;lt;0.01). The association was suggestively strongest among women with current BMI&amp;lt;25 kg/m2 (HRQ5vsQ1 1.20; 95% CI 1.08, 1.34; P-trend&amp;lt;0.01; P-interaction=0.06) compared to overweight/obese women. Although heterogeneity by estrogen receptor (ER) status was non-significant (P=0.17), the strongest association between EDIH and breast cancer was observed with ER-negative tumors (HRQ5vsQ1 1.26; 95% CI 1.04, 1.51; P-trend&amp;lt;0.01). Among tumor molecular subtypes, the strongest associations were observed with HER2-enriched tumors (HRQ5vsQ1 1.75; 95% CI 1.08, 2.82; P-trend=0.01).Conclusions: A dietary pattern contributing to hyperinsulinemia was associated with greater breast cancer risk in women from the NHS/NHSII. In particular, a more hyperinsulinemic diet was associated with higher risk of breast cancer among lean women when compared to overweight or obese women. Moreover, the hyperinsulinemic diet showed a stronger positive association with ER-negative breast tumors, independent of adiposity. Our findings suggest that dietary interventions to reduce insulinemic potential may have a role in breast cancer prevention. Citation Format: Andrea Romanos-Nanclares, Walter C. Willett, Bernard A. Rosner, Rulla M. Tamimi, Fred K. Tabung, Michelle D. Holmes, Wendy Y Chen, A. Heather Eliassen. Insulinemic potential of diet and risk of total and subtypes of breast cancer among US women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-06.

Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity: Two Imperative Components in Breast Cancer Prevention.

Despite tremendous advances in medicine over the past few decades and significantly improved understanding of the symptomology and contributors to breast cancer (BC) incidence, BC rates continue to rise worldwide, with BC being a leading cause of cancer-related death among women. To reduce BC incidence, it is necessary to focus on promoting prevention strategies through a population-based approach of lowering exposure to modifiable risk factors in addition to the application of newer drug interventions (chemoprevention) for prevention in high-risk populations. Currently, available data suggest that lifestyle modifications through a healthy diet and increased physical activity (PA) play a crucial role in BC prevention; specifically, there is growing evidence to indicate that the Mediterranean diet (MeD) lowers cancer risk. This review summarizes the potential role of the MeD and PA in reducing BC risk, with an additional focus on microbial modulation in BC prevention, based on the current evidence obtained from PubMed. After reviewing the immunomodulatory and anticarcinogenic effects of both the MeD and PA, we conclude that further evaluation and proper implementation of both interventions can significantly reduce the risk of BC and associated mortality in the general population.

Study of family medicine role in breast cancer prevention: A systematic review

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and is one of the biggest health threats in women around the world. Since the systematic review study in Iran has not been conducted so far, this study was designed to determine the role of family physicians or first-level care physicians in preventing breast cancer at various levels. In this systematic review, we found family physicians could play a significant role in all levels of breast cancer prevention, including roles in education, risk assessment and early detection of cancer, treatment and follow-up of patients with breast cancer and rehabilitation, and help improve quality of life. Survivors and those treated for breast cancer.

Antioxidants for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Are We There Yet?

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women. Oxidative stress and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been related to cancer progression. Compared to their normal counterparts, tumor cells show higher ROS levels and tight regulation of REDOX homeostasis to maintain a low degree of oxidative stress. Traditionally antioxidants have been extensively investigated to counteract breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression as chemopreventive agents; however, there is growing evidence indicating their potential as adjuvants for the treatment of breast cancer. Aimed to elucidate whether antioxidants could be a reality in the management of breast cancer patients, this review focuses on the latest investigations regarding the ambivalent role of antioxidants in the development of breast cancer, with special attention to the results derived from clinical trials, as well as their potential use as plausible agents in combination therapy and their power to ameliorate the side effects attributed to standard therapeutics. Data retrieved herein suggest that antioxidants play an important role in breast cancer prevention and the improvement of therapeutic efficacy; nevertheless, appropriate patient stratification based on “redoxidomics” or tumor subtype is mandatory in order to define the dosage for future standardized and personalized treatments of patients.

AWARENESS AND BELIEF REGARDING BREAST CANCER AMONG WOMEN LIVING IN SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among women. The aim of the current study was to assess the factors affecting awareness and beliefs regarding breast cancer, among women living in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among women living in Selangor aged 18 to 65 years old, with a total of 483 participants. A validated questionnaire regarding awareness and belief was used. The questionnaires consist of 25 questions comprising of socio-demographic, history of other diseases, awareness and belief. The prevalence of poor awareness among women was 63.4%. while the poor level of belief was 84.7%. There was a significant association between awareness and educational background, family history of breast cancer (P=0.001, P=0.032) respectively. The association between awareness and belief was significant (P=0.02). As a conclusion: There is a high level of poor belief and poor awareness among women in Selangor, Malaysia regarding breast cancer. Source of information such as the internet plays a major role in breast cancer prevention, and the majority of them do not know the technique of breast self-examination. More health promotion is needed to target general population through big campaign of awareness.&#x0D;

Assessment of the Effect of Nano-Composite Shield on Radiation Risk Prevention to Breast During Computed Tomography

Background: Application of nanomaterial has recently been introduced as a novel method to make a radiation shield to protect biological damage. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness regarding the use of nano-shield on the protection of the breast in chest computed tomography (CT) scan. Materials and Methods: Bismuth oxide nanoparticles were prepared and synthesized in the Chemistry Laboratory of the University of Tabriz. Special tests were used to evaluate the properties of nanoparticles. Then, nano-bismuth oxide shields were designed with the silicon matrix at 10% and 15% ratios in 0.5- and 1-mm thicknesses, respectively. The dosimetry process was performed by thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) dosimeters in the skin and fourth layers of the breast in the chest CT scan. Also, signals and noises of the images were obtained to assess the effects of shield on image quality. Nanoparticles size was equal to 24 nm and they were spherical in shape. The distribution of nanoparticles in the silicone matrix was approved by scanning electron microscope energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Results: Nano-bismuth shields reduced the dose value by 9% and 15% in the skin layer related to 10% and 15% bismuth nanoparticles ratio (0.5 mm thickness), respectively. Also, by increasing shield thickness to 1 mm, the dose of skin layer was reduced by 18% and 24% related to 10% and 15% of bismuth nanoparticles ratio, respectively. Analysis of CT image showed a 10% increase in the noise related to the 10% bismuth shield. Conclusion: The nano-bismuth composite shield with different ratios and thicknesses show significant dose reduction in the breast. This could play a role in breast cancer prevention during chest CT scan.

Assessing Breast Cancer Knowledge Among Iranian Physicians

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most important public health issues; so, knowledge about signs, symptoms, and screening programs has impressive role in BC prevention. Objectives: The objective of this study was measuring general physician’s knowledge regarding BC screening programs. Methods: This cross sectional study was performed among 200 general physicians (GP) of urban and rural areas from Jun to September, 2017 in Hamadan, Iran, using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS. Significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean score of total knowledge on breast cancer screening, risk factors, signs, and symptoms for 23 questions was 15.07 ± 2.4 (max: 20; min: 9), which meant that correct answers were given to more than half of them. In symptom knowledge area, 45.3 of physicians had correct answer to 4 questions, whereas about risk factor, 61.4 recorded correct answer to 8 questions. There was a significant reverse correlation between knowledge about screening programs and age of participants (r =-0.3; P < 0.001), and their years of work experience (r =-0.26; P < 0.001). Conclusions: In the current study, family physician knowledge on breast cancer signs, symptom, and screening programs was insufficient. It is recommended that there should be a well-designed health education program to compensate physicians’ knowledge deficits, especially in older ages in order to raise awareness toward cancer, with emphasis on the role of prevention and screening. Importance of early diagnosis in breast cancer and its high rate in our country are adequate reasons for considering this issue on top of our priorities. © 2019, Author(s).

Trametes versicolor mushroom immune therapy in breast cancer.

Data from multiple epidemiologic and clinical studies on immune effects of conventional cancer treatment and the clinical benefits of polysaccharide immune therapy suggest that immune function has a role in breast cancer prevention. Immune therapy utilizing the polysaccharide constituents of Trametes versicolor (Tv) as concurrent adjuvant cancer therapy may be warranted as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment and secondary prevention strategy.

Structure Identification of Triterpene from the Mushroom Pleurotus eryngii with Inhibitory Effects Against Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women, with approximately 1 million diagnoses annually. Triterpenoids, which have cancer preventive or anti-tumour efficacy towards various tumour cells, may play a role in breast cancer prevention. In our previous study, an acetic ether (EtOAc) fraction from the sporocarp of the edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii (P. eryngii) exhibited significant tumour cell growth inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, three pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds (1-3) were isolated from EtOAc extracts using chromatographic separation and were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). The compounds were 2, 3, 6, 23-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-en-28 oic acid (1), 2,3,23-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28 oic acid (2) and lupeol (3). All three purified triterpenes showed significant inhibitory activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines in vitro, with the greatest activity exhibited by compound 1, followed by compound 2 and 3. The IC(50) values were 15.71, 48 and 66.89 μM, respectively. Our study may help elucidate the health benefits of P. eryngii mushroom consumption.

Abstract P5-12-04: De-escalating doses of letrozole in post menopausal women at high risk for breast cancer

Abstract Background: Although breast cancer (BC) may occur at any age, its prevalence is greater postmenopause. Greater than 75 % of postmenopausal BCs are hormone dependent. Aromatase inhibitors suppress postmenopausal estrogen biosynthesis. Letrozole has demonstrated efficacy against BC in the adjuvant and metastatic setting at the treatment dose of 2.5 mg daily. Its potential role in BC prevention has been inferred from reductions in contralateral BCs. Its side effect profile, similar to other AIs, includes exacerbation of menopausal symptoms that negatively impact quality of life (QOL) and may result in discontinuation of the drug. Both anastrazole and exemestane have been demonstrated to reduce BC in high-risk women. Hypothesis: Lower and intermittent doses of letrozole effectively suppress estrogen in the high-risk postmenopausal woman and provide a better side effect profile. Methods: A randomized, double-blind study comparing the impact of varying letrozole doses (2.5 mg daily, 2.5 mg MWF, 1.0 mg MWF, or 0.25 mg MWF) on estrogen suppression and side effects--lipids, bone resorption, menopause, and QOL-- was conducted. Participants randomized to intermittent dosing received placebo on nontreatment days. Results: 112 participants were enrolled at 2 clinical sites. Mean patient age was 62.8 years, and average BMI was 29.8. Analysis of available data after 24 weeks of therapy revealed statistically significant increase in triglycerides (N=94): 114.67±48.39 to 125.79±54.31 (p&amp;lt;0.01); vasomotor symptoms (N=95): 2.25±1.26 to 2.74±1.67 (p&amp;lt;0.01); and C-telopeptide (N=75): 0.39±0.23 to 0.55±0.28 (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Statistically significant decrease in estradiol (N=68): 5.57±5.19 to 1.26±1.41 (p&amp;lt;0.0001) and estrone (N=68): 22.39±13.02 to 1.64±2.66 (p&amp;lt;0.0001) were observed. No differences in QOL (SF 36) were noted after letrozole treatment. P-values were derived from paired t-test (signed rank test) for the difference between baseline and after 24 weeks of study drug. Conclusions: De-escalating doses of letrozole suppress postmenopausal estrogen effectively and result in statistically significant increases in triglycerides, C-telopeptide and vasomotor symptoms without impact on QOL. Presentation will include unblinded intervention arm outcomes. Citation Format: Ana Maria Lopez, Hsiao Hui Sherry Chow, Denise Frank, Sandhya Puthi, Judy Boughey, Paul Hsu, Jose Guillen, Marjorie Perloff, Michelle Ley, Julie E Lang. De-escalating doses of letrozole in post menopausal women at high risk for breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-12-04.

VDR primary targets by genome-wide transcriptional profiling

There is growing evidence that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) plays a role in breast cancer prevention and survival. It elicits a variety of antitumor activities like controlling cellular differentiation, proliferation and angiogenesis. Most of its biological effects are exerted via its nuclear receptor which acts as a transcriptional regulator. Here, we carried out a genome-wide investigation of the primary transcriptional targets of 1α,25(OH)2D3 in breast epithelial cancer cells using RNA-Seq technology. We identified early transcriptional targets of 1α,25(OH)2D3 involved in adhesion, growth regulation, angiogenesis, actin cytoskeleton regulation, hexose transport, inflammation and immunomodulation, apoptosis, endocytosis and signaling. Furthermore, we found several transcription factors to be regulated by 1α,25(OH)2D3 that subsequently amplify and diversify the transcriptional output driven by 1α,25(OH)2D3 leading finally to a growth arrest of the cells. Moreover, we could show that 1α,25(OH)2D3 elevates the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 at several target gene promoters. Our present transcriptomic analysis of differential expression after 1α,25(OH)2D3 treatment provides a resource of primary 1α,25(OH)2D3 targets that might drive the antiproliferative action in breast cancer epithelial cells.

Modification in the diet can induce beneficial effects against breast cancer.

The population tends to consume foods that in addition to their nutritional values can offer some benefits to their health. There are many epidemiological evidences and research studies in animal models suggesting that diet plays an important role in breast cancer prevention or progression. This review summarized some of the relevant researches about nutrition and cancer during the last years, especially in breast cancer. The analysis of probiotics and fermented products containing lactic acid bacteria in cancer prevention and/or treatment was especially discussed. It was observed that a balance of fatty acids similar to those of traditional Mediterranean diet, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber intake, vitamin supplementation are, along with the intake of probiotic products, the most extensively studied by the negative association to breast cancer risk. The consumption of probiotics and fermented products containing lactic acid bacteria was associated to reduce breast cancer risk in some epidemiological studies. The use of animal models showed the modulation of the host's immune response as one of the important effects associated to the benefices observed with most probiotics. However; future assays in human are very important before the medical community can accept the addition of probiotic or fermented milks containing lactic acid bacteria as supplements for cancer patients.

Samoocena stylu życia i profilaktyka raka gruczołu piersiowego na przykładzie studentek wybranych uczelni trójmiasta

Introduction. Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed female malignancies in Poland and worldwide. Detection of the disease at its early stages increases the probability of recovery. Obeying the rules of healthy lifestyle, participation in mammographic screening, and self-examination of breasts play vital role in breast cancer prevention. Aim. To analyze the health-related behaviors regarding breast cancer prevention among the female students of higher education institutions from Tricity. Material and methods. The study included 168 female students of the Medical University of Gdansk, University of Gdansk, Gdansk University of Technology, and Gdansk Higher School of Humanities, and was conducted between March and June 2010. We used the method of diagnostic survey, and relationships between studied variables were determined on the basis of Pearson’s coefficient of linear correlation. Results. Our study revealed that the group of students from selected Gdansk higher education institutions present satisfactory level of knowledge with regards to health-related behaviors, self-examination of breast, and mammographic screening. Despite possessed knowledge, our students do not self-examine their breasts, and their diet is not sufficiently balanced. Moreover, our findings suggest that the issue of drinking alcohol by women cannot be ignored. Conclusions. The lack of breast self-examination habit among the students of Gdansk higher education institutions points to the inefficiency of existing education programs. This fact should be acknowledged by healthcare professionals, including nurses and midwives.