Risk factors for pregnancy-associated breast cancer: a report from the Nigerian Breast Cancer Study

Oncogenic activation of SMYD3-SHCBP1 promotes breast cancer development and is coupled with resistance to immune therapy

Breast cancer initiation and progression are driven by various oncogenic factors and their effects on the surrounding microenvironments. Through integrative analysis of ChIP-sequencing and RNA-sequencing with fast proliferating mammary epithelial cells from pregnant Brca1MKO and wild type (WT) mice, we found that elevated Smyd3-Shcbp1 signaling is featured with activation of the Ras-MAPK pathway and increased transcription activity in both premalignant mammary epithelium and tumor cells. Smyd3-Shcbp1 signaling shapes the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) and is associated with immune therapy resistance to PD1 antibody treatment. Trametinib, a potent inhibitor of MEK/MAPK, could reverse the expression of Smyd3 and Shcbp1 in both Brca1 mutant and WT tumor bearing mice. We further demonstrated that the combinatory treatment of trametinib together with PD1 antibody enhances the function of effector T cells, sensitizing tumors with elevated Smyd3 and Shcbp1 signaling to αPD1 treatment. This study advances the understanding of breast tumor progression and provides a new selective strategy for breast cancer patients.

Managing pregnancy-associated breast cancer: A practical approach

Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer (PABC) is a rare but complex condition that presents both professional and ethical challenges. Diagnosis is often delayed due to breast changes associated with pregnancy and puerperium, which can mask malignant findings. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach that carefully balances maternal and fetal risks. Chemotherapy is generally reserved for the second and third trimesters to avoid teratogenicity, with anthracyclines being the most well-studied and safest agents in this setting. Surgical decisions are influenced by factors such as cancer stage, gestational age, and the timing of potential radiation therapy. Notably, radiation therapy, endocrine therapy, and most targeted therapies are contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Comprehensive care should include robust social and mental health support for the mother and her family to help navigate the physical and emotional challenges during this period.

Multidisciplinary Management of Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer

Breast cancer during pregnancy is uncommon; however, it is one of the most common malignancies affecting pregnant women. Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is a complex entity characterized by unique risk factors, presentation, and pathology. Furthermore, although management generally aims to mirror that for nonpregnant patients, there are distinct aspects of oncologic care delivery specific to PABC. The focus is on optimizing maternal outcomes while maximizing maternal and fetal safety. A multidisciplinary approach is key, and the timing of various treatment modalities is critical. Postdelivery care and counseling are also imperative to address issues such as contraception, breastfeeding, and future fertility. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge base and the diagnostic and treatment landscape for PABC, including recent literature and practice pattern updates.

Benign breast disease and breast cancer risk in African women: a case-control study

PURPOSE

To examine the association between benign breast disease (BBD) and breast cancer (BC) in a heterogeneous population of African women.

METHODS

BC cases and controls were enrolled in three sub-Saharan African countries, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Uganda, between 1998 and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between BBD and BC. Risk factors dually associated with BBD and BC were selected. Using a parametric mediation analysis model, we assessed if selected BC risk factors were mediated by BBD.

RESULTS

Of 6,274 participants, 55.6% (3,478) were breast cancer cases. 360 (5.7%) self-reported BBD. Fibroadenoma (46.8%) was the most commonly reported BBD. Women with a self-reported history of BBD had greater odds of developing BC than those without (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.47, 95% CI 1.13-1.91). Biopsy-confirmed BBD was associated with BC (aOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.26-4.02). BBD did not significantly mediate the effects of any of the selected BC risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, BBD was associated with BC and did not significantly mediate the effects of selected BC risk factors.

Breast cancer in pregnancy: concurrent cesarean section, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and immediate breast reconstruction-case report

Background

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC), with an incidence rate from 1:3,000 to 1:10,000 deliveries, is the most frequent cancer during pregnancy. PABC appropriate management must take into consideration both the maternal oncological safety and the fetal health, thus posing a challenge for the mother, the baby, and the clinicians. The treatment should adhere as closely as possible to the breast cancer (BC) guidelines. Therefore, surgery is a mainstay, and, when mastectomy is required, breast reconstruction (BR) is a topic of debate. To minimize the risks to the baby, most surgeons postpone BR to delivery. However, a delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) could affect the outcome. In the present case, we report cesarean section concurrent with mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR).

Methods

A 37-year-old patient, at the 36th week of pregnancy with PABC, underwent simultaneous cesarean delivery, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and IBR. To minimize risks for the newborn, cesarean was firstly performed under spinal anesthesia. Immediately after, breast surgery, including mastectomy and IBR, was performed under general anesthesia. Partial submuscular IBR with an acellular porcine dermal matrix concluded the surgical procedure. Lactation was inhibited, and adjuvant chemotherapy and hormone therapy were administered to the patient.

Results

In a single surgical session, cesarean delivery, subcutaneous mastectomy, axillary dissection, and IBR were successfully carried out. No early or late postoperative complications were reported for both the patient and the newborn. Histopathological investigation reported a multifocal and multicentric infiltrating ductal carcinoma. After a 6-year follow-up, the patient is alive and well.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of concomitant cesarean delivery, PABC mastectomy, axillary dissection, and IBR. This surgical strategy allowed PABC treatment by the BC guideline, minimizing the newborn's disadvantage and permitting, at the same time, the best final BR outcome.

Benign breast disease and breast cancer risk in African women: A case-control study

Purpose

To examine the association between benign breast disease (BBD) and breast cancer (BC) in a heterogeneous population of African women.

Methods

BC cases and matched controls were enrolled in three sub-Saharan African countries, Nigeria Cameroon, and Uganda, between 1998-2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between BBD and BC. Risk factors dually associated with BBD and BC were selected. Using a parametric mediation analysis model, we assessed if selected BC risk factors were mediated by BBD.

Results

Of 6418 participants, 55.7% (3572) were breast cancer cases. 360 (5.7%) self-reported BBD. Fibroadenoma (46.8%) was the most reported BBD. Women with a self-reported history of BBD had greater odds of developing BC than those without (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.13-1.91). Biopsy-confirmed BBD was associated with BC (aOR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.78-5.44). BBD did not significantly mediate the effects of any of the selected BC risk factors.

Conclusions

In this study, BBD was associated with BC and did not significantly mediate the effects of selected BC risk factors.

Infiltrating duct cell carcinoma in lactating adenoma: A rare case in pair

Lactating adenomas, though considered being benign, sometimes turn out to be malignant. We are hereby presenting two cases of lactating adenomas which turned out to be harboring infiltrating duct cell carcinoma (DCC). Two lactating women with mass in the breast were referred from surgery for fine-needle aspiration cytology and biopsy. On histopathology, it was found that both had infiltrating DCC (either as collision tumor or as a malignant transformation of lactating adenoma). These cases point toward some association between lactating adenoma and DCC, however, small it may be. Therefore, any mass lesion in the breast should be followed up under strict vigilance for an early diagnosis and management of this deadly disease. A large sample size and elaborate study are required to frame its prognostic relevance. Like estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, prolactin and prolactin receptor expression can be exploited for developing newer receptor-targeted therapy.

Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer Among Israeli BRCA1/BRCA2 Carriers in a High-Risk Clinic

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Female carriers of pathogenic sequence variants (PSVs) in the BRCA1 /BRCA2 (Breast Cancer gene - BRCA) genes are at a substantially high-risk for developing breast cancer (BC), hence are offered active surveillance scheme based on semiannual breast exam and imaging from age 25 years to facilitate BC early detection (mammography/breast ultrasound depending on the age, and MRI). However, there are not specific guidelines for screening in case of pregnancy or lactation. In the current study, we summarize the experience at the largest high-risk clinic in Israel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of consecutive BRCA-PSV carriers undergoing surveillance as well as diagnostic ultrasound at the Meirav high-risk clinic from January 2014 to 2021 who were pregnant and/or breastfeeding at time of follow-up were identified. Relevant clinical data including results of breast exam, breast ultrasonography, biopsies and histological results were retrieved. Percentage of biopsies with malignancy, cancer detection rate and positive predictive values were calculated. Data is presented in descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 263 BRCA-carriers were included. Of these, 593 breast-ultrasonograms were performed in 263 BRCA-carriers for 292 pregnancies and 409 breast-ultrasonograms for 175 breastfeeding carriers. Of 36 breast biopsies in 292 pregnancies, 4 (PPV = 11%) had BC diagnosed (high grade invasive). Of 175 breastfeeding women, 25 biopsies were performed and 2 (PPV = 8%) were high grade invasive BC. Five of 6 BC were diagnosed in BRCA1 carriers, and 4/6 were screen detected. The rate of pregnancy-associated breast cancer was 6/292 (2.05%).

CONCLUSION

The overall detection rate of pregnancy-associated BC in BRCA-carriers is relatively low (2.05%), but still much higher than that in the general population. Two thirds of the BC were detected by screening. Therefore, despite the changes of the glandular breast tissue at time of pregnancy and breastfeeding, screening plays an important role in early detection. Ultrasound should be considered as a screening tool during this period of life of high-risk patients.

Factors associated with breast disorders detected by clinical breast examination during pregnancy and six months postpartum in Ibadan, South-western Nigeria

Background

Breast disorders (BD) during pregnancy and postpartum cause anxiety and reduce women's quality of life. The study examined BD risk factors during pregnancy and six months after delivery.

Methods

Women attending antenatal clinics at 26 weeks gestation were recruited. 1248 pregnant women were followed six months postpartum. During recruitment, a validated questionnaire was used to collect participant characteristics and risk factors. Palpable lumps, inflammation, persistent pain, and abnormal nipple discharge were classified breast disorders. Statistical analysis used multiple logistic and cox regression models at p<0.05.

Results

Women with benign breast disease were more likely to develop BD (aOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.50-4.88). One pregnancy increases the risk of BD more than three times (aOR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.29-0.95). History of breast trauma (aHR=3.59, 95%CI: 1.40-9.17) and 3 miscarriages vs. none (aHR=2.23, 95%CI: 1.04-4.23) were also risk factors for BD. The second quartile of physical activity was associated with a lower risk of BD (aHR=0.35, 95%CI: 0.15-0.78).

Conclusion

Women with breast trauma and miscarriage are more likely to develop breast disorders during pregnancy and six months after delivery. Our findings highlight the need for additional longitudinal research to validate these findings and plans for prevention and control. Keywords: Breast disorders, pregnancy, postpartum, predictors, longitudinal study.

Pregnancy associated breast cancer (PABC): Report from a gestational cancer registry from a tertiary cancer care centre, India

Background

Pregnancy associated breast cancer (PABC) is a rare entity and defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or one-year post-partum. There is sparse data especially from low and middle-income countries (LMIC) and merits exploration.

Methods

The study (2013–2020) evaluated demographics, treatment patterns and outcomes of PABC.

Results

There were 104 patients, median age of 31 years; 43 (41%) had triple-negative disease, 31(29.8%) had hormone-receptor (HR) positive and HER2 negative, 14 (13.5%) had HER2-positive and HR negative and 16(15.4%) had triple positive disease. 101(97%) had IDC grade III tumors and 74% had delayed diagnosis. 72% presented with early stage (24, EBC) or locally advanced breast cancer (53, LABC) and received either neoadjuvant (n = 49) or adjuvant (n = 26) chemotherapy and surgery. Trastuzumab, tamoxifen, and radiotherapy were administered post-delivery. At a median follow up of 27 (IQR:19–35) months, the estimated 3-year event-free survival (EFS) for EBC and LABC was 82% (95% CI: 65.2–100) and 56% (95% CI: 42–75.6%) and for metastatic 24% (95% CI: 10.1%–58.5%) respectively.

Of the 104 patients, 34 were diagnosed antepartum (AP) and 15 had termination, 2 had preterm and 16 had full-term deliveries(FTDs). Among postpartum cohort (n = 70), 2 had termination, 1 had preterm, 67 had FTDs. 83(including 17 from AP) children from both cohorts were experiencing normal milestones.

Conclusion

Data from the first Indian PABC registry showed that the majority had delayed diagnosis and aggressive features(TNBC, higher grade). Treatment was feasible in majority and stage matched outcomes were comparable to non-PABCs.

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Pregnancy associated breast cancer (PABC) is a rare and Challenging entity with lack of data from low-middle income countries.

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First Indian data showed that stage matched oncologic outcomes were comparable to non-PABC.

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Obstetric outcomes were similar to non-cancer associated pregnancies with normal cognitive development.

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Creating awareness and early diagnosis is of utmost importance to improve prognosis in this unique entity

Breast Cancer During Pregnancy: A Marked Propensity to Triple-Negative Phenotype

Breast and cervical cancers comprise 50% of all cancers during pregnancy. In particular, gestational breast cancer is considered one of the most aggressive types of cancers, which is a rare but fatal disease. However, the incidence of this type of cancer is increasing over the years and its prevalence is expected to rise further as more women delay childbearing. Breast cancer occurring after pregnancy is generally triple negative with specific characterizations of a poorer prognosis and outcome. On the other hand, it has been pointed out that this cancer is associated with a specific group of genes which can be used as precise targets to manage this deadly disease. Indeed, combination therapies consisting of gene-based agents with other cancer therapeutics is presently under consideration. We herein review recent progress in understanding the development of breast cancer during pregnancy and their unique subtype of triple negative which is the hallmark of this type of breast cancer.

Experiences and challenges in the management of pregnancy-associated breast cancer at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital: a review of four cases

Breast cancer is the commonest female cancer worldwide and the most common malignancy during pregnancy. The current management of breast cancer is based on patient and tumour characteristics, preferences and disease stage. In pregnancy-associated breast cancer, the gestational age influences treatment options. Sequencing of therapies is guided by safe imaging options, timing of delivery and prognosis. Systemic therapy options in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant and palliative settings are limited due to safety concerns of the unborn foetus. In resource-constrained regions, the application of safe options may be challenging. This paper reports four of such cases managed in Ghana using a multidisciplinary approach and local resource-appropriate evidence-based practices. Maternal and foetal outcomes were acceptable with none resulting in termination of pregnancy.

Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach

The diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) during pregnancy is uncommon. It has varied among different studies from 1:10,000 to 1:3000 of all pregnancies, with a median age of 33 years. Pregnancy-associated BC represents a challenge in terms of clinical management to guarantee both maternal and fetal security in choosing the right treatment. This situation is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach, including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, oncologist, radiotherapist, psychologist, and maternal-fetal medicine specialist. In the present review, we examined the management of pregnancy-associated BC, focusing on pathophysiologic background, risk factors, diagnosis, staging procedures, anesthesia, surgical management, and systemic treatment.

Short inter-pregnancy interval and pregnancy-associated breast cancer

The relationship between pregnancy and breast cancer risk is not fully understood. Most of the literature has described this interaction in terms of the age at first pregnancy and the number of full-term pregnancies. During the prospective accrual of the "Joven & Fuerte: Program for young women with breast cancer in Mexico" cohort, a series of cases with pregnancy-associated breast cancer and a history of a short inter-pregnancy interval was identified. To date, there is a very limited number of descriptions about the interaction between a short inter-pregnancy interval and breast cancer, but none specifically regarding the association of a short inter-pregnancy interval and pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Based on findings from a prospective cohort of young Mexican breast cancer patients, we hypothesize that a short inter-pregnancy interval may increase the incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer, possibly by amplifying the effects of the pregnancy-associated factors involved in the development of breast cancer.

Factors associated with gestational breast cancer: case-control study

The prevalence of gestational breast cancer (GBC) is 1:3,000-10,000 pregnancies. This study aims to identify the risk factors associated with GBC. This case-control study was conducted in the period between January 2004 and December 2014 at a reference maternity hospital for high-risk pregnancies in Rio de Janeiro. Two controls were selected for each case, totaling 21 GBC cases and 42 controls. Data were collected through a review of medical and hospitalization and delivery records. Reproductive, obstetrical, sociodemographic and health-related characteristics were investigated. Results: The mean age of pregnant women in both groups was 35.5 years. Menarche's mean age was also similar (12.3 years) in both groups. Mother's age at first pregnancy was > 30 years in 28.6% of the patients with GBC and in 2.4% of the control group (p = 0.03). Crude and adjusted odds ratio and their respective CI 95% were calculated through conditional logistic regression paired by mother's age. The results show that the risk for GBC increases 27% for each additional year of mother's age at first pregnancy (p < 0.02) and that mothers with lower schooling had higher risk of GBC (OR = 8.49). Conclusion: Our data confirm the association of primiparity over 30 years of age and low level of schooling with GBC.

Clinicopathological characteristics, diagnosis, and prognosis of pregnancy-associated breast cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics, diagnosis, prognosis, and effective treatment modalities of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer (PABC).

Methods

From 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2015, 142 patients with PABC were identified in the Cancer Institute and Hospital of Tianjin Medical University database. The clinicopathological features, treatment methods, and outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 30 years. All patients presented with a palpable mass in the breast. The sensitivity of ultrasound and mammography in PABC diagnosis was 86% and 83.3%, respectively, which increased to 91.3% when a combination of mammography and ultrasound was used. The median tumor size was 5.5 cm, and 63.1% of patients had associated axillary lymph node metastases. The proportions of ER negative, PR negative and HER2 positive were 45.7%, 45.7% and 30%, respectively. The five‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 76.8% and 63.5%, respectively. According to univariate analysis, T stage, N stage, and HER2 status were significant prognostic factors for OS and DFS. The time interval between the onset of the first symptom and the first meeting with a health professional was also significant for OS. Multivariate analysis showed that T stage and HER2 status were independent prognostic risk factors for OS and DFS.

Conclusion

PABC is an aggressive form of breast cancer associated with advanced stage at diagnosis. Despite the existing difficulties in diagnosis, imaging examinations are indispensable. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary therapy, including anti‐HER2 targeted therapy, may be important to improve prognosis.

Characteristics and diagnosis of pregnancy and lactation associated breast cancer: Analysis of a self-reported regional registry

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is the most common malignancy in pregnancy. However due to its infrequent occurrence, PABC continues to be poorly understood.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study using self-reported data from 1079 eligible women in a regional breast cancer registry.

RESULTS

The PABC cases were more likely than non-PABCs to be younger than age 35 and have nodal involvement at diagnosis. Despite diagnosis at a young age, there was not an association between PABC and family history. For method of diagnosis, PABC was found on self-exam, while non-PABCs were found on mammography.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, PABC is rarely detected by mammography and diagnosis is highly dependent on detection during self-breast exam. Women who are or recently were pregnant should be encouraged to perform regular self-breast exams to report any changes for further evaluation. Patient and clinician education regarding risk and realities of PABC is essential.

Inherited Breast Cancer in Nigerian Women

PURPOSE

Among Nigerian women, breast cancer is diagnosed at later stages, is more frequently triple-negative disease, and is far more frequently fatal than in Europe or the United States. We evaluated the contribution of an inherited predisposition to breast cancer in this population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cases were 1,136 women with invasive breast cancer (mean age at diagnosis, 47.5 ± 11.5 years) ascertained in Ibadan, Nigeria. Patients were selected regardless of age at diagnosis, family history, or prior genetic testing. Controls were 997 women without cancer (mean age at interview, 47.0 ± 12.4 years) from the same communities. BROCA panel sequencing was used to identify loss-of-function mutations in known and candidate breast cancer genes.

RESULTS

Of 577 patients with information on tumor stage, 86.1% (497) were diagnosed at stage III (241) or IV (256). Of 290 patients with information on tumor hormone receptor status and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, 45.9% (133) had triple-negative breast cancer. Among all cases, 14.7% (167 of 1,136) carried a loss-of-function mutation in a breast cancer gene: 7.0% in BRCA1, 4.1% in BRCA2, 1.0% in PALB2, 0.4% in TP53, and 2.1% in any of 10 other genes. Odds ratios were 23.4 (95% CI, 7.4 to 73.9) for BRCA1 and 10.3 (95% CI, 3.7 to 28.5) for BRCA2. Risks were also significantly associated with PALB2 (11 cases, zero controls; P = .002) and TP53 (five cases, zero controls; P = .036). Compared with other patients, BRCA1 mutation carriers were younger ( P < .001) and more likely to have triple-negative breast cancer ( P = .028).

CONCLUSION

Among Nigerian women, one in eight cases of invasive breast cancer is a result of inherited mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or TP53, and breast cancer risks associated with these genes are extremely high. Given limited resources, prevention and early detection services should be especially focused on these highest-risk women.

A longitudinal study of the prevalence and characteristics of breast disorders detected by clinical breast examination during pregnancy and six months postpartum in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Background

Breast disorders cause great anxiety for women especially when they occur in pregnancy because breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer related deaths in women. Majority of the disorders are Benign Breast Diseases (BBD) with various degrees of associated breast cancer risks. With increasing breast cancer awareness in Nigeria, we sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of breast disorders among a cohort of pregnant women.

Methods

A longitudinal study of 1248 pregnant women recruited in their first trimester- till 26 weeks gestational age consecutively from selected antenatal clinics (ANCs), in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. A pretested interviewer- administered questionnaire was used to collect information at recruitment. Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) using MammaCare® technique was performed at recruitment and follow up visits at third trimester, six weeks postpartum and six months postpartum. Women with breast disorders were referred for Breast Ultrasound Scan (BUS) and those with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) ≥4 had ultrasound guided biopsy. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 14.

Results

Mean age of participants was 29.7 ± 5.2 years and mean gestational age at recruitment was 20.4 ± 4.4 weeks. Seventy-two participants (5.8%) had a past history of BBD and 345 (27.6%) were primigravidae. Overall, breast disorder was detected among 223 (17.9%) participants and 149 (11.9%) had it detected at baseline. Findings from the CBE showed that 208 (69.6%) of 299 breast disorders signs found were palpable lumps or thickenings in the breast, 28 (9.4%) were persistent pain, and 63 (21.1%) were abscesses, infection and mastitis. Twenty out of 127 (15.7%) participants who had BUS performed were classified as BIRADS ≥3. Lesions found by BUS were reactive lymph nodes (42.5%), prominent ducts (27.1%), fibroadenoma (9.6%), breast cysts (3.8%) and fibrocystic changes (2.5%). No malignant pathology was found on ultrasound guided biopsy.

Conclusions

Breast lump is a major breast disorder among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ibadan. Routine clinical breast examination and follow up of pregnant women found with breast disorders could facilitate early detection of pregnancy associated breast cancer in low resource settings.

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer in rural Rwanda: the experience of the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy encountered during pregnancy. However, the burden of pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) and subsequent care is understudied in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Here, we describe the characteristics, diagnostic delays and treatment of women with PABC seeking care at a rural cancer referral facility in Rwanda.

METHODS

Data from female patients aged 18-50 years with pathologically confirmed breast cancer who presented for treatment between July 1, 2012 and February 28, 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. PABC was defined as breast cancer diagnosed in a woman who was pregnant or breastfeeding. Numbers and frequencies are reported for demographic and diagnostic delay variables and Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests are used to compare characteristics of women with PABC to women with non-PABC at the alpha = 0.05 significance level. Treatment and outcomes are described for women with PABC only.

RESULTS

Of the 117 women with breast cancer, 12 (10.3%) had PABC based on medical record review. The only significant demographic differences were that women with PABC were younger (p = 0.006) and more likely to be married (p = 0.035) compared to women with non-PABC. There were no significant differences in diagnostic delays or stage at diagnosis between women with PABC and women with non-PABC women. Eleven of the women with PABC received treatment, three had documented treatment delays or modifications due to their pregnancy or breastfeeding, and four stopped breastfeeding to initiate treatment. At the end of the study period, six patients were alive, three were deceased and three patients were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

PABC was relatively common in our cohort but may have been underreported. Although patients with PABC did not experience greater diagnostic delays, most had treatment modifications, emphasizing the potential value of PABC-specific treatment protocols in SSA. Larger prospective studies of PABC are needed to better understand particular challenges faced by these patients and inform policies and practices to optimize care for women with PABC in Rwanda and similar settings.

Development of a Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Model for Women in Nigeria

Background: Risk prediction models have been widely used to identify women at higher risk of breast cancer. We aimed to develop a model for absolute breast cancer risk prediction for Nigerian women.Methods: A total of 1,811 breast cancer cases and 2,225 controls from the Nigerian Breast Cancer Study (NBCS, 1998-2015) were included. Subjects were randomly divided into the training and validation sets. Incorporating local incidence rates, multivariable logistic regressions were used to develop the model.Results: The NBCS model included age, age at menarche, parity, duration of breastfeeding, family history of breast cancer, height, body mass index, benign breast diseases, and alcohol consumption. The model developed in the training set performed well in the validation set. The discriminating accuracy of the NBCS model [area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.703, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.687-0.719] was better than the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS) model (AUC = 0.605; 95% CI, 0.586-0.624), Gail model for white population (AUC = 0.551; 95% CI, 0.531-0.571), and Gail model for black population (AUC = 0.545; 95% CI, 0.525-0.565). Compared with the BWHS and two Gail models, the net reclassification improvement of the NBCS model were 8.26%, 13.45%, and 14.19%, respectively.Conclusions: We have developed a breast cancer risk prediction model specific to women in Nigeria, which provides a promising and indispensable tool to identify women in need of breast cancer early detection in Sub-Saharan Africa populations.Impact: Our model is the first breast cancer risk prediction model in Africa. It can be used to identify women at high risk for breast cancer screening. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 636-43. ©2018 AACR.

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer: the risky status quo and new concepts of predictive medicine

The paper is motivated by severe concerns regarding currently applied care of the pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) characterised by particularly poor outcomes of the disease. Psychological and ethical aspects play a crucial role in PABC: the highest priority not to damage the foetus significantly complicates any treatment generally, and it is quite usual that patients disclaim undergoing any breast cancer treatment during pregnancy. Although, due to global demographic trends, PABC is far from appearing rarely now, severe societal and economic consequences of the disease are still neglected by currently applied reactive medical approach. These actualities require creating new strategies which should be better adapted to the needs of the society at large by advancing the PABC care based on predictive diagnostic approaches specifically in premenopausal women, innovative screening programmes focused on young female populations, targeted prevention in high-risk groups, and optimised treatment concepts. The article summarises the facts and provides recommendations to advance the field-related research and medical services specifically dedicated to the PABC care.

Design considerations for identifying breast cancer risk factors in a population-based study in Africa

Although breast cancer is becoming more prevalent in Africa, few epidemiologic studies have been undertaken and appropriate methodologic approaches remain uncertain. We therefore conducted a population-based case-control study in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana, enrolling 2,202 women with lesions suspicious for breast cancer and 2,161 population controls. Biopsy tissue for cases prior to neoadjuvant therapy (if given), blood, saliva and fecal samples were sought for study subjects. Response rates, risk factor prevalences and odds ratios for established breast cancer risk factors were calculated. A total of 54.5% of the recruited cases were diagnosed with malignancies, 36.0% with benign conditions and 9.5% with indeterminate diagnoses. Response rates to interviews were 99.2% in cases and 91.9% in controls, with the vast majority of interviewed subjects providing saliva (97.9% in cases vs. 98.8% in controls) and blood (91.8% vs. 82.5%) samples; lower proportions (58.1% vs. 46.1%) provided fecal samples. While risk factor prevalences were unique as compared to women in other countries (e.g., less education, higher parity), cancer risk factors resembled patterns identified elsewhere (elevated risks associated with higher levels of education, familial histories of breast cancer, low parity and larger body sizes). Subjects with benign conditions were younger and exhibited higher socioeconomic profiles (e.g., higher education and lower parity) than those with malignancies, suggesting selective referral influences. While further defining breast cancer risk factors in Africa, this study showed that successful population-based interdisciplinary studies of cancer in Africa are possible but require close attention to diagnostic referral biases and standardized and documented approaches for high-quality data collection, including biospecimens.

Family history and risk of pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC)

The risk of breast cancer is at least two-fold increased in young women with a family history of breast cancer. Pregnancy has a dual effect on breast cancer risk; a short-term increase followed by a long-term protection. We investigated if the risk of breast cancer during and within 10 years following pregnancy is affected by a family history of breast cancer. We followed a cohort of women aged 15-44 years between 1963 and 2009 identified in Swedish population-based registers. Family history was defined as having a mother or sister with breast cancer. We estimated incidence rate ratios of breast cancer during pregnancy and time intervals up to 10 years post-delivery, with a focus on pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC), defined as breast cancer during pregnancy or within 2 years post-delivery. In 3,452,506 women, there were 15,548 cases of breast cancer (1208 were PABC). Compared to nulliparous women, the risk of breast cancer was decreased during pregnancy, similar during first year and increased during second year post-delivery. The pattern was similar in women with or without family history of breast cancer. A peak in risk was observed 5-6 years following the first birth regardless of family history. After a second birth, this peak was only present in women with a family history. Our results indicate that women with a family history of breast cancer do not have a different breast cancer risk during and within 10 years following pregnancy compared to women without a family history.

Alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk among women in three sub-Saharan African countries

Background

Alcohol drinking is linked to the development of breast cancer. However, there is little knowledge about the impact of alcohol consumption on breast cancer risk among African women.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study among 2,138 women with invasive breast cancer and 2,589 controls in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Uganda from 1998 to 2013. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on alcohol consumption, defined as consuming alcoholic beverages at least once a week for six months or more. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Among healthy controls, the overall alcohol consumption prevalence was 10.4%, and the prevalence in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Uganda were 5.0%, 34.6%, and 50.0%, respectively. Cases were more likely to have consumed alcohol (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.33–1.97). Both past (aOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.19–2.00) and current drinking (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.30–2.23) were associated with breast cancer risk. A dose-response relationship was observed for duration of alcohol drinking (P-trend <0.001), with 10-year increase of drinking associated with a 54% increased risk (95% CI: 1.29–1.84).

Conclusion

We found a positive relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk, suggesting that this modifiable risk factor should be addressed in breast cancer prevention programs in Africa.