BACKGROUND: Breast care is an important routine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Its absence leads to inadequate milk production before and after childbirth. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the status of brea...BACKGROUND: Breast care is an important routine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Its absence leads to inadequate milk production before and after childbirth. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the status of breast care during pregnancy, which is related to milk production and disease after childbirth in the Tinggede Health Center, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi. METHODS: The method used was an analytic survey with a cross-sectional approach and the samples were 82 breastfeeding mothers in the working area of the Tinggede Health Center. The sampling used a total population, and data were obtained by interview and observation. Furthermore, the analysis technique used Chi-Square. RESULTS: The results showed there was a relationship between breast care during pregnancy with milk production (p = 0.001), and breast care status with a disease (p = 0.012). The common diseases suffered by breastfeeding mothers due to inadequate care are non-protruding nipples, infections, blocked milk ducts, mastitis, and lumps. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding mothers' failure to care for their breasts during pregnancy can lead to lack of milk production and diseases such as non-protruding nipples, infections, blocked milk ducts, mastitis, and lumps.
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer, a global health problem with a high mortality rate, has several risk factors, including obesity and increased lipid profile. Postmenopausal obesity is associated with estrogen production from a...BACKGROUND: Breast cancer, a global health problem with a high mortality rate, has several risk factors, including obesity and increased lipid profile. Postmenopausal obesity is associated with estrogen production from adipose tissue, while abnormal cell growth is triggered by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin. Obesity could be assessed by measuring body mass index (BMI). An increase in lipid profile signifies an increased risk for breast cancer. Histopathological findings in the form of grading and differentiation can indicate how serious the condition is. Breast cancer with good differentiation is always associated with a positive prognosis. OBJECTIVE: This observational analytic study aims to determine the relationship between BMI and cholesterol levels based on the menopausal status and the histopathological grading findings of breast cancer patients. METHODS: The observational cross-sectional study analyzed histopathological grading, total cholesterol level, and body mass index. Data were analyzed with Spearman rank correlation statistical test, and the results are significant when the p-value is <0.05. RESULTS: Analyzing the relationship between cholesterol levels and histopathological gradings indicated a moderate correlation. The results of another correlation test based on menopausal status showed a weak correlation value, while menopause was said to be significant, indicating a moderate correlation. However, results from the analysis of BMI data in the menopausal subject group were associated with histopathological assessment. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between cholesterol levels and histopathological degrees in the two menopausal status groups. However, no relationship was found between BMI and the histopathological grades of breast cancer.
INTRODUCTION: Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a role in tumor escape and progression by inactivating T lymphocytes. The aim of the study reported here was to determine the relationship between the expression of P...INTRODUCTION: Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a role in tumor escape and progression by inactivating T lymphocytes. The aim of the study reported here was to determine the relationship between the expression of PD-L1 and histopathological grade, stage of disease, and the occurrence of metastasis in breast cancer. METHODS: The observational cross-sectional study involved analyzing the expression of PD-L1 by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: PD-LI was expressed in 43 of 60 patients with breast cancer (71.6%), mostly with a moderate histopathological grade (58.3%) and at an advanced stage (50%). Associations between the expression of PD-L1 and histopathological grade (p = 0.011), stage of disease (p = 0.009), and the occurrence of metastasis (p = 0.01) were significant, with an odds ratio of 5. CONCLUSION: The associations between the expression of PD-L1 and histopathological grade, disease stage, and occurrence of metastasis were all significant in cases of breast cancer in the sample. Those findings suggest that the expression of PD-L1 increases the progression of breast cancer.
BACKGROUND: With essential metals being studied and developed as anticancer agents, this study aims to explore the anticancer activity of Zn(II) arginine dithiocarbamate in the T47D and fibroblast cell lines. METHOD: The...BACKGROUND: With essential metals being studied and developed as anticancer agents, this study aims to explore the anticancer activity of Zn(II) arginine dithiocarbamate in the T47D and fibroblast cell lines. METHOD: The Zn(II) arginine dithiocarbamate complex was prepared by the in situ method and characterized using infra-red spectroscopy, melting point, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction instruments. The complex compound was tested for its cytotoxicity to the T47D breast cancer and fibroblast cell lines. RESULTS: The cytotoxicity of the Zn(II) arginine dithiocarbamate complex to the T47D breast cancer cell line obtained IC50 = 3.16 μg/mL, while cisplatin obtained IC50 = 28.18 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity of the Zn(II) arginine dithiocarbamate complex to fibroblast cells obtained IC50 = 8709.63 μg/mL. CONCLUSION: The Zn(II) arginine dithiocarbamate complex has increased active cytotoxicity compared to cisplatin in inducing morphological changes in the T47D breast cancer cell line and is relatively non-toxic to fibroblast cells.
BACKGROUND: Cancer cells can defend themselves against apoptosis by activating NF-κB. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity has also been associated with chemotherapy resistance. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the...BACKGROUND: Cancer cells can defend themselves against apoptosis by activating NF-κB. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity has also been associated with chemotherapy resistance. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationship between NF-κB expression and intrinsic subtypes and anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy responses in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. METHODS: This prospective cohort study examined NF-κB expression and intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer tissue using immunohistochemistry (IHC). We conducted descriptive statistical analyses as well as survival analyses. RESULTS: The study sample was 63 patients, of which 21 cases (33.33%) were responsive to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 42 cases (66.7%) were non-responsive. There is a significant relationship between negative ER, negative PR, grading, and high Ki67 expression with NF-κB overexpression (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between intrinsic subtypes and HER2 with NF-κB expression (p > 0.05). A significant relationship was found between NF-κB expression and responsive chemotherapy results (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In locally advanced breast cancer, there is a correlation between NF-B expression and response to anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients who express NF-KB have a better response to chemotherapy than those who overexpress NF-kB.
BACKGROUND: Benign and malignant breast tumors are the most commonly diagnosed tumor in females. Early and accurate diagnosis of malignancy is essential for effective breast cancer treatment. Human anterior gradient 3 (A...BACKGROUND: Benign and malignant breast tumors are the most commonly diagnosed tumor in females. Early and accurate diagnosis of malignancy is essential for effective breast cancer treatment. Human anterior gradient 3 (AGR3) has been suggested as a potential biomarker for the early detection and prognostic determination of breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study profiles AGR3 mRNA expression and serum protein levels in patients with benign and malignant breast tumors. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 40 benign and 40 malignant breast tumor patients in Makassar, Indonesia. AGR3 mRNA and protein were detected using qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: This study found significantly higher AGR3 mRNA expression in benign than malignant breast tumors using qRT-PCR (p < 0.001). In contrast, ELISA revealed no significant difference between AGR3 serum protein levels in benign and malignant breast tumors (p = 0.507). CONCLUSIONS: AGR3 is associated with non-aggressive tumors and could be used as a marker for less aggressive breast tumors.
BACKGROUND: Increased plasma aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) levels have been proposed to predict cancer chemoresistance. However, studies have reported inconsistent results, depending on the type of cancer cells used....BACKGROUND: Increased plasma aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) levels have been proposed to predict cancer chemoresistance. However, studies have reported inconsistent results, depending on the type of cancer cells used. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between plasma levels of ALDH1 and chemotherapy responses to the taxane-adriamycin-cyclophosphamide (TAC) regimen in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Thirty breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy using the TAC regimen were included in this study. Blood sampling was performed before chemotherapy was initiated and after the first and third cycles of chemotherapy administration. After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, patients were categorized as non-responsive if the tumor size was reduced <30%, if the tumor size remained the same or increased, or if any new tumors were discovered. Patients were defined as responsive after 3 cycles of chemotherapy if the tumor mass disappeared, if the tumor size was reduced by at least 30% of the initial size and if no new tumors were found. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients, only five were responsive to the TAC regimen. The clinical response to TAC was not correlated with the patient's age, cancer grading, or tumor stage. A change in the ALDH1 levels was observed after the third cycle of TAC administration, with significantly higher ALDH1 levels observed in responsive compared with non-responsive patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study may indicate a role for ALDH1 in chemoresponsiveness, rather than chemoresistance, for the TAC regimen in breast cancer patients. Further research remains necessary to confirm this result.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate and compare four breast cancer subtypes defined by immunohistochemistry expression of ER, PR, and HER-2 in correlation with Ki-67 and GATA-3 expression. METHODS: Slides from 89 par...OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate and compare four breast cancer subtypes defined by immunohistochemistry expression of ER, PR, and HER-2 in correlation with Ki-67 and GATA-3 expression. METHODS: Slides from 89 paraffin blocks of invasive breast cancer patients with four molecular subtypes based on HER-2, ER, and PR expression were then stained with Ki-67 and GATA-3 antibodies to evaluate their expression in correlation with molecular subtype and metastases to lymph nodes. RESULTS: This study was a retrospective study of 89 invasive breast cancers. Luminal A; Luminal B; HER2+; and triple-negative types were 35 (39.3%), 10 (11.2%), 27 (30.3%), and 17 (19.1%) samples. Expression of Ki-67 was increased in triple-negative (TN) tumor compared to non-triple-negative (non-TN) tumor subtypes (p < 0.05). This Ki-67 expression was inversely correlated with the positivity of hormone receptor expression related to lymph-node metastases in TN-type tumors. Sixty-two (57%) samples were immunohistochemically positive for GATA-3. GATA-3 positive samples were significantly more likely to be ER and PR-positive, Ki-67 negative, and luminal A tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Subtype triple-negative breast cancer correlates with high expression of Ki-67 that contributes to poor prognosis of this subtype. The higher Ki-67 expression was correlated with the absence of hormone receptor expression compared with the negativity of Her-2 expression, downplay a role in nodal metastases in a triple-negative tumor. GATA-3 positive breast cancer showed luminal differentiation characterized by high ER expression and mainly was classified as luminal A type tumor with a better prognosis.
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a female malignancy that is a significant cause of mortality worldwide. Currently, investigations on natural ingredients as new candidates for chemopreventive agents and breast cancer chemoth...BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a female malignancy that is a significant cause of mortality worldwide. Currently, investigations on natural ingredients as new candidates for chemopreventive agents and breast cancer chemotherapies are increasing. Propolis is a natural resinous material produced by honeybees that exhibit anticancer potential. Several studies have mentioned the major bioactive compounds of propolis, but their mechanism of action is not clearly understood. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review is to collect and summarize the evidence related to the effectiveness of propolis and its bioactive contents as candidates for breast cancer therapy and analyze the molecular mechanisms involved in their therapeutic pathways. METHODS: We reviewed 94 articles from journals and databases, extracted the results, and produced summaries and conclusions. RESULTS: Propolis and its bioactive ingredients show cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, pro-autophagic, anti-metastatic, and antioxidant activities, as well as synergistic effects with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in breast cancer. Its therapeutic activity involves various target molecules, including NF-κβ, Fas receptors, p53, TLR4, ANXA7, and voltage-gated Na+ channel (VGSC). CONCLUSION: The bioactive components of propolis and the target molecules involved need to be explored further to develop new breast cancer therapies and overcome the problem of chemoradiation resistance.
BACKGROUND: The plasminogen urokinase activation system consists of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor uPAR, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), which are considered to have a relationshi...BACKGROUND: The plasminogen urokinase activation system consists of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor uPAR, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), which are considered to have a relationship with cancer aggressiveness. Several studies have found correlations between HER2 mRNA and uPAR in disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in breast cancer patients. They are associated with a more aggressive primary tumor phenotype and recurrence/metastasis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the relationship between the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) with the incidence of distant metastases in breast cancer. METHODS: This study was an observational study using a cross-sectional method and was conducted at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and the network. Immunohistochemical methods carry out examination of uPAR and HER2 expression from tissues of breast cancer patients. The relationship of uPAR, HER2 expression, and metastasis was tested with the Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: The study results found that the proportion of patients with metastasis was significantly higher in high uPAR expression compared to low uPAR (77.8% compared to 36.8%). The negative HER2 expression was significantly higher in the low uPAR expression than the high uPAR (78.9% compared to 33.3%). In comparison, the positive HER2 expression was significantly higher in the high uPAR expression than the low uPAR (66.7% compared to 21.1%). In positive HER2 expression, the mean percentage of uPAR expression was significantly higher in metastases than those without metastasis (72.7% compared to 42.1%). CONCLUSIONS: uPAR expression is associated with metastasis in HER2 positive breast cancer.
BACKGROUND: The exact immunopathological mechanisms in the progression of breast cancer are not clearly understood, but various factors including CD8 T lymphocytes have lethal properties on tumor cells. On the other hand...BACKGROUND: The exact immunopathological mechanisms in the progression of breast cancer are not clearly understood, but various factors including CD8 T lymphocytes have lethal properties on tumor cells. On the other hand, interleukin-37 (IL-37), as a new member of the IL-1 family, is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. The exact role of IL-37 in breast cancer has not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the CD8 T lymphocytes count and IL-37 gene expression in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with and without metastasis. METHODS: In this study, blood samples from 36 metastatic and 36 non-metastatic breast cancer patients and 36 healthy individuals as control were collected. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the relative gene expression was performed using real-time PCR. Also, counting the CD8 T lymphocytes was done by flow cytometry technique. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the gene expression of IL-37 in blood samples of metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer patients was significantly lower than in healthy individuals (P < 0.05). The relative gene expression of the IL-37 in ER+/PR+/HER2+ patients with non-metastatic breast cancer had a significant increase compared to HER2+ patients (P < 0.05). Also, CD8 T lymphocytes count in the samples of patients including non-metastatic and metastatic breast cancer was significantly decreased compared to the healthy individuals (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence that IL-37 gene expression and CD8 T lymphocytes count, significantly decreased in non-metastatic and metastatic breast cancer. Considering the possible effects of IL-37 on TCD8 cells in tumor immune responses, more research will be done to benefit from the therapeutic effects of this cytokine in the future.
Mammogram is the standard imaging modality for the early detection of breast cancer, and it has been shown to reduce disease-related mortality by up to 30%. Mammogram, however, has its limitations. It is reported that 10...Mammogram is the standard imaging modality for the early detection of breast cancer, and it has been shown to reduce disease-related mortality by up to 30%. Mammogram, however, has its limitations. It is reported that 10-30% of breast cancers may be missed on a mammogram. Delay in the diagnosis and treatment may adversely affect the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. We present a case of multifocal invasive early breast carcinoma, which was misinterpreted twice as intramammary lymph nodes, thus resulting in a delay in diagnosis for eighteen months. The tumors were detected incidentally after the patient presented to our Breast clinic for symptoms related to a concomitant benign lesion involving the same breast. We describe the tumors' imaging features and discuss the possible reasons that likely led to repeated misinterpretation. Awareness of possible causes for missed breast cancer is necessary to avoid delay of treatment initiation that may adversely affect prognosis.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has efficiently replaced axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in axillary staging in node-negative breast cancer patients. Dual sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization using radioisotope...Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has efficiently replaced axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in axillary staging in node-negative breast cancer patients. Dual sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization using radioisotopes and blue dye is the standard technique for SLN mapping. Yet, nuclear medicine facilities are not widely available worldwide. In Japan, Computed tomography lymphography (CTLG) is presented as an SLN mapping technique which was first suggested in 2003 by Suga et al. Multiple subsequent studies confirmed the efficacy of CTLG in SLN mapping in breast cancer. Further applications of the technique followed; such as prediction of SLN metastasis using CTLG, the use of CTLG guided SLN biopsy after neoadjuvant therapy, video-assisted CTLG guided SLN biopsy, the use of real-time virtual sonography with 3-D CTLG, and preoperative localization of the CTLG mapped SLN using either real-time virtual sonography (RVS) guided Indocyanine green (ICG) injection or its marking using liquid charcoal and silver wire and the use of SPIO enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prediction of metastasis in SLNs detected by CTLG. This efficacy and variable applications open the door for conducting wide-scale randomized controlled trials to suggest using CTLG as an efficient alternative for the use of radioisotopes in SLN mapping in breast cancer patients, especially in low and middle-income countries.
BACKGROUND: Of the most common imaging modalities for breast cancer diagnosis - mammogram (MAM), ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - it has not been well established which of these most accurately corresp...BACKGROUND: Of the most common imaging modalities for breast cancer diagnosis - mammogram (MAM), ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - it has not been well established which of these most accurately corresponds to the histological tumor size. OBJECTIVE: To determine which imaging modality (MAM, US, MRI) is most accurate for determining the histological tumor size of breast lesions. METHODS: A retrospective study of 76 breast cancers found in 73 female patients who received MAM, US, and/or MRI was performed. 239 charts were reviewed and 73 patients met inclusion criteria. Analysis was performed using signed rank tests comparing the reported tumor size on the imaging modality to the tumor size on pathology report. RESULTS: Mammography and ultrasonography underestimated tumor size by 3.5 mm and 4 mm (p-values < 0.002), respectively. MRI tends to overestimate tumor size by 3 mm (p-value = 0.0570). Mammogram was equivalent to pathological size within 1 mm 24% of the time and within 2 mm 35% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: No one single modality is the most accurate for detecting tumor size. When interpreting the size reported on breast imaging modalities, the amount of underestimation and overestimation in tumor size should be considered for both clinical staging and surgical decision-making.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in breast cancer pathology is not well understood. Our study aimed to investigate the association of HCMV and EB...BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in breast cancer pathology is not well understood. Our study aimed to investigate the association of HCMV and EBV infections with breast cancer and distinguish the types of positive EBV and LMP-1 samples in Iranian patients. METHODS: Seventy-two formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer tissues were analyzed between December 2014 and April 2016. Samples were analyzed for HCMV and EBV using nested-PCR and conventional PCR assays, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 18. RESULTS: Overall, HCMV and EBV genomes were detected in 6.9% and 16.7% of FFPE breast cancer tissues, respectively. Clinical factors were not statistically associated with the presence of HCMV and EBV. CONCLUSION: In this study, we reported EBV and LMP-1 typing in breast carcinoma cases for the first time in Iran. Our findings indicate that HCMV and EBV infections are not associated with the development of breast cancer.
BACKGROUND: Milk fistula is a potential complication of radiologic and surgical procedures on the lactating breast, though its incidence is unknown. Some postulate that larger defects and/or closer proximity to the nippl...BACKGROUND: Milk fistula is a potential complication of radiologic and surgical procedures on the lactating breast, though its incidence is unknown. Some postulate that larger defects and/or closer proximity to the nipple increase the risk of fistula. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the incidence of milk fistula and characterize risk factors in patients who continued breastfeeding after surgical or radiological procedures. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of pregnant or lactating women treated at a multidisciplinary breast clinic from July 2016 through August 2019 was performed. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson's Chi-square. RESULTS: Two pregnant and 43 lactating patients underwent 71 interventions. The incidence of milk fistula within one week of intervention was 1.4%. One fistula was diagnosed six days after retroareolar abscess drainage. The fistula closed successfully with continued breastfeeding. When categorized by the caliber of the most invasive intervention (large-caliber: mass excision, n = 7; medium-caliber: percutaneous drain insertion, n = 18; small-caliber: stab incision, aspiration, core needle biopsy, n = 20), patients were similar in age, race/ethnicity, weeks postpartum, and frequency of central versus peripheral interventions. The low incidence of fistula prevented quantitative evaluation of potential risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Milk fistula is a rare occurrence following radiologic or surgical breast interventions performed during pregnancy or lactation. Indicated procedures should not be deferred, but periareolar approaches should be avoided when possible. Cessation of lactation is not mandatory for fistula closure, and continued breastfeeding should be recommended.
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the prevalent type of malignancy among women. Multiple risk factors, including genetic changes, biological age, dense breast tissue, and obesity are associated with BC. Th...Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the prevalent type of malignancy among women. Multiple risk factors, including genetic changes, biological age, dense breast tissue, and obesity are associated with BC. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway has a pivotal role in regulating biological functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and survival. It has become evident that the MAPK pathway is associated with tumorigenesis and may promote breast cancer development. The MAPK/RAS/RAF cascade is closely associated with breast cancer. RAS signaling can enhance BC cell growth and progression. B-Raf is an important kinase and a potent RAF isoform involved in breast tumor initiation and differentiation. Depending on the reasons for cancer, there are different strategies for treatment of women with BC. Till now, several FDA-approved treatments have been investigated that inhibit the MAPK pathway and reduce metastatic progression in breast cancer. The most common breast cancer drugs that regulate or inhibit the MAPK pathway may include Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs), Sorafenib, Vemurafenib, PLX8394, Dabrafenib, Ulixertinib, Simvastatin, Alisertib, and Teriflunomide. In this review, we will discuss the roles of the MAPK/RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in BC and summarize the FDA-approved prescription drugs that target the MAPK signaling pathway in women with BC.
BACKGROUND: Knowledge of exercise is of paramount importance in improving and reclaiming the health of women with breast cancer and also enables them to reap the enormous benefits associated with healthy physical activit...BACKGROUND: Knowledge of exercise is of paramount importance in improving and reclaiming the health of women with breast cancer and also enables them to reap the enormous benefits associated with healthy physical activity. AIM: To assess the knowledge and perceived benefits of exercise among women with breast cancer in Delta State. METHOD: Sample of 94 eligible consenting women who are still maintaining follow up with the two tertiary hospitals in Delta state, Federal Medical Center (FMC) Asaba and Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) Oghara were enlisted for the study. RESULT: Findings from the study revealed knowledge of the recommended exercise was poor among the women with breast cancer, as only 21(22.3%) had good knowledge. For those knowledgeable, their knowledge source was mainly through the mass media 5(23.8%) and the internet 4(19.0%). On the benefits of exercise as perceived by the women with breast cancer, the result shows that 88 (93.6%) of the women with breast cancer perceived exercise as beneficial. The principal exercise perceived to be beneficial was walking 43(45.7) and treatment of discomfort 25(26.6%) was the main benefit they hoped to gain from exercise. Also demographic profiles of the women were not significantly related to their knowledge about the recommended exercise asp > 0.05. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the recommended exercise was low among women with breast cancer despite their awareness of the benefits. It is therefore essential for health care providers, especially those involved in the care of these patients, to use every avenue to health-educate, counsel and help them in implementing the recommended exercise to enhance their survival.
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of secondary lymphedema. Besides being progressive and chronic, lymphedema is usually hard to treat. That is why the clinicians are more focused on the prevention of i...BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of secondary lymphedema. Besides being progressive and chronic, lymphedema is usually hard to treat. That is why the clinicians are more focused on the prevention of its development and progression. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible relationship between the age of patients and the severity of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid MEDLINE databases were searched for articles, which described the relationship between aging and BCRL development. Two authors searched for and selected articles independently. RESULTS: Out of 562 studies selected, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. However, 2 papers had the same study population, so only 7 were included in the final analysis. The total number of patients in those 7 studies was 3,904. Five out of 7 studies included in our review depicted the association of more severe forms of BCRL with older age. CONCLUSION: The final analysis showed that aging is related to the severity of BCRL. However, due to heterogeneity in study outcome reporting, the cause and effect relationship could not be determined.
Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers nowadays. The genetical mechanism behind breast cancer development is an intricate one. In this review, the genetical background of breast cancer, particularly BRCA 1 and BRCA...Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers nowadays. The genetical mechanism behind breast cancer development is an intricate one. In this review, the genetical background of breast cancer, particularly BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 had been included. Moreover, to summarize the genetics of breast cancer, the recent and ongoing preclinical and clinical studies on the treatment of BRCA-associated breast cancer had also been included. A prime knowledge is that the BRCA gene is the basis of breast cancer risk. How it mediates cell proliferation and associated mechanisms are reviewed here. BRCA 1 gene can influence all phases of the cell cycle and regulate cell cycle progression. BRCA 1 gene can also respond to DNA damages and induce responsive mechanisms. The action of the BRCA gene on associated protein has a wide consideration in breast cancer development. Heterogeneity in breast cancer makes them a fascinating and challenging stream to diagnose and treat. Several clinical therapies are available for breast cancer treatments. Chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy are the milestones in the cancer treatments. Ral binding protein 1 is a promising target for breast cancer treatment and the platinum-based chemotherapies are the other remarkable fields. In immunotherapy, the usage of anti-programmed death (PD)-1 antibody is a new class of cancer immunotherapy that hinders immune effecter inhibition and potentially expanding preexisting anticancer immune responses. Breast cancer genetics and treatment strategies are crucial in escalating survival rates.