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Fulltext Breast cancer research in Asia: adopt or adapt Western knowledge?

Bhoo-Pathy N, Yip CH, Hartman M, Uiterwaal CS, Devi BC, Peeters PH, et al.

Eur J Cancer, 2013 Feb;49(3):703-9.
PMID: 23040889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2012.09.014

The incidence and mortality of breast cancer continues to rise rapidly in Asian countries. However, most of our current knowledge on breast cancer has been generated in Western populations. As the socio-economic profile, life style and culture of Asian and Western women are substantially different, and genetic backgrounds vary to some extent, we need to answer the question on whether to 'adopt' or 'adapt' Western knowledge before applying it in the Asian setting. It is generally accepted that breast cancer risk factors, which have mainly been studied in Western populations are similar worldwide. However, the presence of gene-environment or gene-gene interactions may alter their importance as causal factors across populations. Diagnostic and prognostic study findings, including breast cancer prediction rules, are increasingly shown to be 'setting specific' and must therefore be validated in Asian women before implementing them in clinical care in Asia. Interventional research findings from Caucasian patients may not be applicable in patients in Asia due to differences in tumour biology/profiles, metabolism of drugs and also health beliefs which can influence treatment acceptance and adherence. While breast cancer research in Asia is warranted in all domains of medical research, it is felt that for Asian breast cancer patients, needs are highest for diagnostic and prognostic studies. International clinical trials meanwhile need to include breast cancer patients from various Asian settings to provide an insight into the effectiveness of new treatment modalities in this part of the world.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis; Breast Neoplasms/etiology*
Utilization of breast cancer screening methods in a developing nation: results from a nationally representative sample of Malaysian households

Dunn RA, Tan AK

Breast J, 2011 Jul-Aug;17(4):399-402.
PMID: 21615819 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4741.2011.01098.x

As is the case in many developing nations, previous studies of breast cancer screening behavior in Malaysia have used relatively small samples that are not nationally representative, thereby limiting the generalizability of results. Therefore, this study uses nationally representative data from the Malaysia Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance-1 to investigate the role of socio-economic status on breast cancer screening behavior in Malaysia, particularly differences in screening behaviour between ethnic groups. The decisions of 816 women above age 40 in Malaysia to screen for breast cancer using mammography, clinical breast exams (CBE), and breast self-exams (BSE) are modeled using logistic regression. Results indicate that after adjusting for differences in age, education, household income, marital status, and residential location, Malay women are less likely than Chinese and Indian women to utilize mammography, but more likely to perform BSE. Education level and urban residence are positively associated with utilization of each method, but these relationships vary across ethnicity. Higher education levels are strongly related to using each screening method among Chinese women, but have no statistically significant relationship to screening among Malays.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Breast Self-Examination
Fulltext Diagnosis delay of breast cancer and its associated factors in Malaysian women

Norsa'adah B, Rampal KG, Rahmah MA, Naing NN, Biswal BM

BMC Cancer, 2011;11:141.
PMID: 21496310 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-141

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Malaysia. Delayed diagnosis is preventable and has major effects on patients' prognosis and survival. The objectives of our study were to identify the magnitude of delayed diagnosis and its associated factors in women with breast cancer in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Breast Neoplasms/pathology
Pattern of weight changes in women with breast cancer

Yaw YH, Kandiah M, Shariff ZM, Mun CY, Hashim Z, Yusof RM, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2010;11(6):1535-40.
PMID: 21338193

This study describes weight changes experienced by Malaysian women with breast cancer. Women with breast cancer (n=368) were recruited from eight hospitals and four breast cancer support groups in Peninsular Malaysia. Current weight was measured and weight at the time of diagnosis and a year preceding diagnosis were based on self-reports. Change in weight was determined from the year preceding breast cancer diagnosis to study entry (time 1), at the time of diagnosis to study entry (time 2) and from a year preceding breast cancer diagnosis to the time of diagnosis (time 3). Current body mass index, at a year preceding diagnosis and at the time of diagnosis were determined. Waist circumference was also measured. The sample comprised 57% Malay, 34% Chinese and 9.8% Indian women. The mean age of the women was 54 ∓ 9.04 years and over 80% were post-menopausal. Majority of the women were in stage I and stage II breast cancer at the time of diagnosis. The most common treatments received by these women were chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and mastectomy. Overweight and obesity were prevalent in over 40% of the survivors at all three periods. Significant weight changes were observed during time 1 (-0.74 ∓ 4.78kg, p< 0.001), time 2 (2.73 ∓ 8.06kg, p< 0.001) and time 3 (3.47 ∓ 7.53kg, p< 0.001). At time 1, almost 50% showed no changes in their weight. At time 2, nearly two-thirds had gained weight and at time 3, 69% had gained weight, abdominal obesity was observed in nearly two-thirds of the women at study entry. A significant difference in weight change among age groups was observed in time 2 and time 3. All ethnic groups had significant weight change in time 1 and time 2. Significant weight gain was observed in relation to body mass index prior to diagnosis, at diagnosis and at study entry. However, no significant difference in weight change by educational level, family history of cancer and cancer stages were observed in all 3 periods. In conclusion, significant weight gain was evident in this sample of women after diagnosis of breast cancer and treatment. Women with breast cancer should be encouraged to maintain normal body mass index and waist circumference through appropriate diet and regular physical activity which may help to reduce their risk of recurrence, secondary cancer and metastasis.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/physiopathology*; Breast Neoplasms/therapy*
Fulltext Reliability and validity of the Brief COPE Scale (English version) among women with breast cancer undergoing treatment of adjuvant chemotherapy: a Malaysian study

Yusoff N, Low WY, Yip CH

Med J Malaysia, 2010 Mar;65(1):41-4.
PMID: 21265247 MyJurnal

This paper validates the Brief COPE Scale in Malaysian women with breast cancer. Test-retest evaluation was undertaken at two/three weeks and ten weeks following surgery. Internal consistencies ranged from 0.25 to 1.00. Meanwhile, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.05 to 1.00. Sensitivity of the scale was indicated by the mean differences as observed in most of the domains with Effect Size Index (ESI) ranged from 0 to 0.53. Significant differences between mastectomy and lumpectomy were observed for Active coping, Planning and Acceptance. Brief COPE Scale showed fairly good reliability and validity.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy; Breast Neoplasms/psychology*
Fulltext The prevalence and assessment of ErbB2-positive breast cancer in Asia: a literature survey

Tan YO, Han S, Lu YS, Yip CH, Sunpaweravong P, Jeong J, et al.

Cancer, 2010 Dec 1;116(23):5348-57.
PMID: 20715159 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25476

Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor-related gene ErbB2 occurs in 18% to 25% of patients with breast cancer in Western countries and is associated with a poor prognosis. The prevalence of ErbB2-positive tumors in Asia is unclear, partly because data are limited. The objective of this review was to summarize the reported prevalence of ErbB2-positive tumors from a large sample of Asian patients and to examine ErbB2 assessment methods in Asia. From searches of MEDLINE, local language journals, and local and international conference proceedings as well as locoregional breast cancer experts' recommendations, the authors selected up to 5 studies each from India, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand that reported ErbB2 results based on assessment with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The reported prevalence of ErbB2-positive tumors in 22 studies on 24,671 patients, of whom 14,398 patients were assessed for ErbB2 status, varied widely (range, 6%-65%) as did the assessment methods used. Most studies (n=21) used IHC to assess ErbB2 status, but definitions for positivity varied. When robust assessment methods were used, the median prevalence was 19% based on strong IHC staining (IHC3+; n=9812 patients) and 25% based on FISH (n=681 patients). Data on the prevalence of ErbB2-positive breast cancer in Asia are limited. The current survey indicated that the prevalence in Asia may be similar to that in Western countries; thus, up to 1 in 4 Asian patients with breast cancer potentially could benefit from ErbB2-targeted treatment. A standard, reliable ErbB2 assessment method available to patients across Asia is urgently required.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/genetics*; Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology*
Fulltext Utility of pre-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio as prognostic factors in breast cancer

Koh CH, Bhoo-Pathy N, Ng KL, Jabir RS, Tan GH, See MH, et al.

Br. J. Cancer, 2015 Jun 30;113(1):150-8.
PMID: 26022929 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2015.183

Peripheral blood-derived inflammation-based scores such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have recently been proposed as prognostic markers in solid tumours. Although evidence to support these markers as unfavourable prognostic factors is more compelling in gastrointestinal cancers, very little is known of their impact on breast cancer. We investigated the association between the NLR and PLR, and overall survival after breast cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/blood; Breast Neoplasms/physiopathology*
Reversal of the decline in breastfeeding in Peninsular Malaysia? Ethnic and educational differentials and data quality issues

DaVanzo J, Sine J, Peterson C, Haaga J

Soc Biol, 1994 1 1;41(1-2):61-77.
PMID: 7973841

Data from the First and Second Malaysian Family Life Surveys in 1976 and 1988, respectively, are analyzed to examine long-term trends in breastfeeding in Peninsular Malaysia, educational and ethnic differences therein, and the quality of retrospective data on infant feeding. The steady decrease between the mid-1950's and mid-1970's in breastfeeding was reversed to become a nearly monotonic increase since 1975. Part of the change is attributable to the changing composition of the Malaysian population. Over time, the percentages of births to subgroups with higher rates of breastfeeding--particularly Malays and more highly educated women--have increased. However, there is also evidence of changes in rates of breastfeeding within these subgroups. Many Malaysian infants have a total duration of breastfeeding (including with supplementation) considerably shorter than WHO's recommended four months of exclusive (unsupplemented) breastfeeding. Moreover, nearly all breastfed infants are first given supplementary food or beverage shortly after birth. Breastfeeding promotion efforts in Malaysia need to emphasize the appropriate timing of and types of supplementary feeding.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Feeding/ethnology; Breast Feeding/statistics & numerical data*
Global Disparities in Breast Cancer Genetics Testing, Counselling and Management

Yip CH, Evans DG, Agarwal G, Buccimazza I, Kwong A, Morant R, et al.

World J Surg, 2019 05;43(5):1264-1270.
PMID: 30610270 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-018-04897-6

Hereditary breast cancers, mainly due to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, account for only 5-10% of this disease. The threshold for genetic testing is a 10% likelihood of detecting a mutation, as determined by validated models such as BOADICEA and Manchester Scoring System. A 90-95% reduction in breast cancer risk can be achieved with bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy in unaffected BRCA mutation carriers. In patients with BRCA-associated breast cancer, there is a 40% risk of contralateral breast cancer and hence risk-reducing contralateral mastectomy is recommended, which can be performed simultaneously with surgery for unilateral breast cancer. Other options for risk management include surveillance by mammogram and breast magnetic resonance imaging, and chemoprevention with hormonal agents. With the advent of next-generation sequencing and development of multigene panel testing, the cost and time taken for genetic testing have reduced, making it possible for treatment-focused genetic testing. There are also drugs such as the PARP inhibitors that specifically target the BRCA mutation. Risk management multidisciplinary clinics are designed to quantify risk, and offer advice on preventative strategies. However, such services are only possible in high-income settings. In low-resource settings, the prohibitive cost of testing and the lack of genetic counsellors are major barriers to setting up a breast cancer genetics service. Family history is often not well documented because of the stigma associated with cancer. Breast cancer genetics services remain an unmet need in low- and middle-income countries, where the priority is to optimise access to quality treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/genetics*; Breast Neoplasms/therapy
Fulltext Identification of Potential Chemical Substrates as Fuel for Hypoxic Tumors That May Be Linked to Invadopodium Formation in Hypoxia-Induced MDA-MB-231 Breast-Cancer Cell Line

Hamad HA, Enezei HH, Alrawas A, Zakuan NM, Abdullah NA, Cheah YK, et al.

Molecules, 2020 Aug 26;25(17).
PMID: 32858793 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173876

Hypoxia plays a significant role in solid tumors by the increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is known to promote cancer invasion and metastasis. Cancer-cell invasion dynamically begins with the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) via invadopodia formation. The chemical substrates that are utilized by hypoxic cells as fuel to drive invadopodia formation are still not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the study was to maintain MDA-MB-231 cells under hypoxia conditions to allow cells to form a large number of invadopodia as a model, followed by identifying their nutrient utilization. The results of the study revealed an increase in the number of cells forming invadopodia under hypoxia conditions. Moreover, Western blot analysis confirmed that essential proteins for hypoxia and invadopodia, including HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2), and Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 7 (β-PIX), significantly increased under hypoxia. Interestingly, phenotype microarray showed that only 11 chemical substrates from 367 types of substrates were significantly metabolized in hypoxia compared to in normoxia. This is thought to be fuel for hypoxia to drive the invasion process. In conclusion, we found 11 chemical substrates that could have potential energy sources for hypoxia-induced invadopodia formation of these cells. This may in part be a target in the hypoxic tumor and invadopodia formation. Additionally, these findings can be used as potential carrier targets in cancer-drug discovery, such as the usage of dextrin.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/metabolism*; Breast Neoplasms/pathology
Fulltext The relationship of socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of breast cancer on stage of behavioral adoption of breast self-examination

Moey SF, Mutalib AMA, Mohamed NC, Saidin N

AIMS Public Health, 2020;7(3):620-633.
PMID: 32968682 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2020049

Background/aim: In Malaysia, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. As such, early diagnosis and screening practices are important to increase the survival rate. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the main screening methods for breast cancer. Socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of breast cancer are amongst the crucial roles in determining women's behavioral adoption in performing BSE. This study aims to assess the relationship of socio-demographic factors and knowledge of breast cancer on the stage of behavioral adoption of BSE among Malaysian women in Kuantan, Pahang.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 520 women from three different government health clinics in Kuantan and IIUM Family Health Clinic from February to April 2018. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic factors and knowledge of breast cancer and its effect on the behavioral adoption of BSE.
Results: Significant difference was found between socio-demographic characteristics and behavioral adoption of BSE. However, only breast screening and the best time for screening were found to be significant with the behavioral adoption of BSE and knowledge of breast cancer.
Conclusion: It is found that most women in Kuantan, Pahang perform BSE but were still unaware of the importance of performing BSE for early breast cancer detection. This study was expected to enhance women's awareness of the benefits of performing BSE.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Self-Examination
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of phyllodes tumors

Jayaram G, Sthaneshwar P

Diagn Cytopathol, 2002 Apr;26(4):222-7.
PMID: 11933267

Breast lesions with a significant spindle cell or mesenchymal component are not commonly encountered in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytologic material and include a heterologous variety of benign and malignant conditions, with phyllodes tumors (PTs) being the foremost differential diagnostic consideration. This study comprises 28 tumors diagnosed histologically as PT in which FNAC material was available for review. Histological sections and cytological smears from these cases were retrieved and subjected to detailed morphological review. Cytological parameters assessed included ratio of stroma to epithelium, pattern characteristics and cytological characteristics of the stromal, and epithelial components and the background cells. Large and hypercellular stroma fragments, dissociated spindle and plump stromal cells, often accompanied by large, folded sheets of epithelium were cytological features that characterized PT. Smears from malignant PT showed predominantly or solely mesenchymal components. FNAC was a highly reliable procedure for the diagnosis of PT, giving an accuracy rate of 92.8%.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/pathology*; Breast Neoplasms/surgery
Fulltext Thermal profiling Analysis for Asymmetrically Embedded Tumour with Different Breast Densities

Laila Fadhillah Ulta Delestri, Kenshiro Ito, Gan Hong Seng, Muhammad Faiz Md Shakhih, Asnida Abdul Wahab

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(108):6-12.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Detecting breast cancer at earlier stage is crucial to increase the survival rate. Mammography as the golden screening tool has shown to be less effective for younger women due to denser breast tissue. Infrared Ther- mography has been touted as an adjunct modality to mammography. Further investigation of thermal distribution in breast cancer patient is important prior to its clinical interpretation. Therefore, thermal profiling using 3D compu- tational simulation was carried out to understand the effect of changes in size and location of tumour embedded in breast to the surface temperature distribution at different breast densities. Methods: Extremely dense (ED) and pre- dominantly fatty dense (PF) breast models were developed and simulated using finite element analysis (FEA). Pennes’ bioheat equation was adapted to show the heat transfer mechanism by providing appropriate thermophysical prop- erties in each tissue layer. 20 case studies with various tumour size embedded at two asymmetrical positions in the breast models were analysed. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed by recording the temperature values along the arc of breast, calculating of temperature difference at the peaks and comparing multiple thermal images. Results: Bigger size of tumour demands a larger increase in breast surface temperatures. As tumour is located far from the centre of the breast or near to the edge, there was a greater shift of temperature peak. Conclusion: Size and location of tumour in various levels of breast density should be considered as a notable factor to thermal profile on breast when using thermography for early breast cancer detection.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Density
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice of Breast Self- Examination among nurses in tertiary hospitals in Malaysia

Raja Lexshimi, R. G., Zaleha, M.I., Wahida Daud, Mohd Said Nurumal, Syed Zulkifli, S.Z.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(3):0-0.
MyJurnal

Breast self-examination (BSE) is recommended globally as one of the methods in early detection of breast cancer. Little is known about nurses screening behavior related to BSE. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the knowledge, attitude and practice of Breast Self Examination (BSE) among nurses. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to a total of 114 nurses working in Obstetrics & Gynaecology wards and clinics of two tertiary hospitals. Among the 114 participants, 111(97.4%) practiced BSE. The mean age of the participants was 34.97(±9.104) years. The mean score of knowledge was 11.07(±1.020) and 81.1% had high knowledge of BSE. Majority (98.2%) of respondents showed good attitude towards BSE. Barriers was found to be a significant predictor and self confidence proved to be an influencing factor on BSE performance. Despite practicing BSE, the number of nurses that examined their breast monthly was only 35.1%. Age, working experience and marital status showed no significant relationship with knowledge and practice of BSE. However, BSE taught during their undergraduate programme was found to have a significant relationship with practice of BSE. Majority of nurses in this study were not complying with MOH recommendation for BSE in terms of frequency. Thus, intervention strategies should focus on educating nurses on performing BSE monthly, in accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines. This is important as nurses play a primary role in promoting health behaviors in BSE practice and breast cancer awareness among women in this country.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Self-Examination
Fulltext Knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among students in a private higher learning institution in Malaysia

Nimir, Amal R., Al-Dubai, Sami A. R., Alshagga, Mustafa A., Saliem, Ahmed M.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(3):0-0.
MyJurnal

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently encountered malignancies among young females in Malaysia, which accounts for 30.4% of newly diagnosed cancers. All women at or above the age of 20 are considered at risk of developing breast cancer. This is a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in a private medical university in Malaysia during year 2012. Two hundred students were recruited in this study using universal sampling. Data collection was done using a selfadministration questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between the practice of breast selfexamination and socio-demographic variables. Only 19.5% of the study sample has sufficient knowledge about BSE which is acquired mostly from local media. Having a family history of malignancy other than breast cancer seems to be the only significant variable associated with knowledge about BSE (P=0.002). Other variables such as demographic data, menstrual history and social history were also tested, but found to be not significant. Frequent community-based awareness programs are needed so that all women can know and practice BSE, which in turn helps to alert the women to any abnormal changes in the breasts so that they will be able to seek medical advice immediately.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Self-Examination
Fulltext Curcumin: the spicy modulator of breast carcinogenesis

Banik U, Parasuraman S, Adhikary AK, Othman NH

J Exp Clin Cancer Res, 2017 Jul 19;36(1):98.
PMID: 28724427 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0566-5

Worldwide breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. For many years clinicians and the researchers are examining and exploring various therapeutic modalities for breast cancer. Yet the disease has remained unconquered and the quest for cure is still going on. Present-day strategy of breast cancer therapy and prevention is either combination of a number of drugs or a drug that modulates multiple targets. In this regard natural products are now becoming significant options. Curcumin exemplifies a promising natural anticancer agent for this purpose. This review primarily underscores the modulatory effect of curcumin on the cancer hallmarks. The focus is its anticancer effect in the complex pathways of breast carcinogenesis. Curcumin modulates breast carcinogenesis through its effect on cell cycle and proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, cancer spread and angiogenesis. Largely the NFkB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK and JAK/STAT are the key signaling pathways involved. The review also highlights the curcumin mediated modulation of tumor microenvironment, cancer immunity, breast cancer stem cells and cancer related miRNAs. Using curcumin as a therapeutic and preventive agent in breast cancer is perplexed by its diverse biological activity, much of which remains inexplicable. The information reviewed here should point toward potential scope of future curcumin research in breast cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Breast Neoplasms/pathology
Fulltext Bone mineral density and breast cancer risk factors among premenopausal and postmenopausal women: A systematic review

Zain NM, Seriramulu VP, Chelliah KK

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2016;17(7):3229-34.
PMID: 27509955

BACKGROUND: Bone mineral density (BMD) is a lifetime marker of estrogen in a woman's body and has been associated with increased breast cancer risk. Nonetheless the actual association is still debatable. Furthermore, estrogen is very crucial in maintaining human bone density and gradually decreases over age. A systematic search was conducted to assess any association of BMD with breast cancer risk factors among premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review identification was performed through databases searching on MEDLINE, CINAHL and SCOPUS and 19 qualified studies were elected. The keywords used were "bone mineral density", "breast cancer", and "breast density".

RESULTS: A total of 19 articles showed variation with the majority of the studies focused on postmenopausal and a few focused on premenopausal women. Overall there was no concensus on effects.

CONCLUSIONS: An enormous effort is being undertaken by researchers to prove that BMD might be one of the significant risk factors for breast cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/etiology*; Breast Neoplasms/pathology
Fulltext Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Antenna Sensor Based Microwave Breast Imaging: A Review

Mahmud MZ, Islam MT, Misran N, Almutairi AF, Cho M

Sensors (Basel), 2018 Sep 05;18(9).
PMID: 30189633 DOI: 10.3390/s18092951

Globally, breast cancer is reported as a primary cause of death in women. More than 1.8 million new breast cancer cases are diagnosed every year. Because of the current limitations on clinical imaging, researchers are motivated to investigate complementary tools and alternatives to available techniques for detecting breast cancer in earlier stages. This article presents a review of concepts and electromagnetic techniques for microwave breast imaging. More specifically, this work reviews ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna sensors and their current applications in medical imaging, leading to breast imaging. We review the use of UWB sensor based microwave energy in various imaging applications for breast tumor related diseases, tumor detection, and breast tumor detection. In microwave imaging, the back-scattered signals radiating by sensors from a human body are analyzed for changes in the electrical properties of tissues. Tumorous cells exhibit higher dielectric constants because of their high water content. The goal of this article is to provide microwave researchers with in-depth information on electromagnetic techniques for microwave imaging sensors and describe recent developments in these techniques.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast; Breast Diseases; Breast Neoplasms
Fulltext Feasibility of Patient Navigation to Improve Breast Cancer Care in Malaysia

Yeoh ZY, Jaganathan M, Rajaram N, Rawat S, Tajudeen NA, Rahim N, et al.

J Glob Oncol, 2018 11;4:1-13.
PMID: 30398950 DOI: 10.1200/JGO.17.00229

PURPOSE: Late stage at presentation and poor adherence to treatment remain major contributors to poor survival in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Patient navigation (PN) programs in the United States have led to improvement in diagnostic or treatment timeliness, particularly for women in lower socioeconomic classes or minority groups. To date, studies of PN in Asia have been limited. We aimed to assess the feasibility of PN in a state-run hospital in an LMIC and to report the impact on diagnostic and treatment timeliness for patients in its first year of implementation.
METHODS: We established PN in a dedicated breast clinic of a Malaysian state-run hospital. We compared diagnostic and treatment timeliness between navigated patients (n = 135) and patients diagnosed in the prior year (n = 148), and described factors associated with timeliness.
RESULTS: Women with PN received timely mammography compared with patients in the prior year (96.4% v 74.4%; P < .001), biopsy (92.5% v 76.1%; P = .003), and communication of news (80.0% v 58.5%; P < .001). PN reduced treatment default rates (4.4% v 11.5%; P = .048). Among navigated patients, late stage at presentation was independently associated with having emotional and language barriers ( P = .01). Finally, the main reason reported for delay, default, or refusal of treatment was the preference for alternative therapy.
CONCLUSION: PN is feasible for addressing barriers to cancer care when integrated with a state-run breast clinic of an LMIC. Its implementation resulted in improved diagnostic timeliness and reduced treatment default. Wider adoption of PN could be a key element of cancer control in LMICs.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/pathology; Breast Neoplasms/therapy*
Fulltext Association between MIR499A rs3746444 polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Tan SC, Lim PY, Fang J, Mokhtar MFM, Hanif EAM, Jamal R

Sci Rep, 2020 Feb 26;10(1):3508.
PMID: 32103099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60442-3

Numerous studies have investigated the association of MIR499A rs3746444 polymorphism with breast cancer susceptibility, but the results have been inconsistent. In this work, we performed a meta-analysis to obtain a more reliable estimate of the association between the polymorphism and susceptibility to breast cancer. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang databases up to January 2020. A total of 14 studies involving 6,797 cases and 8,534 controls were included for analysis under five genetic models: homozygous (GG vs. AA), heterozygous (AG vs. AA), dominant (AG + GG vs. AA), recessive (GG vs. AA + AG) and allele (G vs. A). A statistically significant association was observed between the polymorphism and an increased breast cancer susceptibility under all genetic models (homozygous, OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.03-1.71, P = 0.03; heterozygous, OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.00-1.16, P = 0.04; dominant, OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.02-1.30; P = 0.03; recessive, OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.06-1.72, P = 0.01; allele, OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.00-1.26, P = 0.04). Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity suggested that significant association was present only among Asians, but not Caucasians. In conclusion, MIR499A rs3746444 polymorphism was significantly associated with breast cancer susceptibility among Asians, suggesting its potential use as a genetic risk marker in this population.

Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/genetics; Breast Neoplasms/pathology*

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