scholarly journals Phytoestrogens and Breast Diseases: A Matter of Concern for the Gynecologist

2020 ◽  
pp. 4-9
Author(s):  
Sadaf Alipour ◽  
Amirhossein Eskandari

Background: This study is the last part of a quadruple series investigating the relationship between breast disorders and the consumption of exogenous sex hormones. Due to the structural similarity of phytoestrogens to estrogen and the confusion associated with their possible estrogenic activity in the breast, this part aims at reviewing of the literature on the relationship between phytoestrogens and breast disorders. Methods: We carried out a thorough search of the existing literature using appropriate keywords with the aim of finding systematic reviews, reviews, cohort studies and clinical trials regarding the effects of phytoestrogens on the breast in the general population, breast cancer survivors, women at high risk of breast cancer and those with benign breast diseases. Results: Many studies have approached the relationship between phytoestrogens and the risk of breast cancer or recurrence of the disease. Also, a few studies have considered the effects of phytoestrogens on benign breast disorders, BRCA genes, and the risk of breast cancer in high risk women. However, the variety of studies and the retrospective nature of many of them make it impossible to draw definite conclusions. Conclusion: Existing data generally supports the safety of phytoestrogen consumption regarding the risk of breast cancer in the general population, in women with benign breast disorders, in those at risk of breast cancer, and even in survivors of the cancer. However, due to insufficient evidence, prescription of high doses of phytoestrogens is still not recommended.

2019 ◽  
pp. 113-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirhossein Eskandari ◽  
Sadaf Alipour

Background: The carcinogenic effect of exogenous steroid hormones on the breasts is a matter of debate, causing confusion for physicians at the time of making prescriptions. This article, as part of a quadruple series about exogenous sex hormones and breast disorders, reviews the association of breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the general population, women with benign breast disorders, women with personal or family history of breast cancer, and BRCA carriers. Methods: We accomplished an extensive search of the literature by using relevant keywords to identify pertinent cohort studies, clinical trials, and reviews. Then, we extracted all points regarding the question. Results: An extensive literature exists on the risk of breast cancer following HRT in the general population, and HRT has been mentioned as a risk factor for breast cancer, especially in recent, long-term users of combined formulations. However, there is still no consensus about it. Conversely, few studies have considered challenging issues like the use of HRT in breast cancer survivors and high-risk women. Conclusion: HRT up to 5 years can safely be used for management of menopausal symptoms in healthy women, and those with low-risk benign breast disorders. On the contrary, its use in high-risk women should be limited to refractory menopausal symptoms after describing potential harms to the patient.


2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 987-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marissa Albert ◽  
Freya Schnabel ◽  
Jennifer Chun ◽  
Shira Schwartz ◽  
Jiyon Lee ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Zoe Moon ◽  
Mira Zuchowski ◽  
Rona Moss-Morris ◽  
Myra S. Hunter ◽  
Sam Norton ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The number of e-health interventions developed for breast cancer survivors continues to increase. However, issues with engagement and retention are common. This study aimed to explore e-health literacy rates and access to smartphones and tablets in a large sample of breast cancer survivors. Methods In study 1, women were recruited from outpatient breast clinics across England and Wales. Eligible women were asked to complete a questionnaire pack to assess their access to devices and their e-health literacy. Multiple regression analyses were run to assess the relationship between technology access and e-health literacy with sociodemographic variables such as age, social deprivation, and education. Study 2 presents a smaller sample recruited through social media who answered a questionnaire relating to use of mobile devices and e-health, and apps. Results Two thousand nine women participated in the study. Seventy-one percent had access to a smartphone, 54% had access to a tablet, and 20% did not have access to either device. Multiple logistic regressions showed that women who were younger, had higher levels of education, and who were from less deprived areas were more likely to have access to either device. Poorer e-health literacy was associated with being older, having less education, and not having access to a mobile device. Conclusions Whilst the results show relatively widespread access to mobile devices, there is evidence of a digital divide across some groups. Online interventions should be developed with consideration of individuals who are less e-health-literate and less technologically adept in order to increase the likelihood of engagement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasleem J. Padamsee ◽  
Megan Hils ◽  
Anna Muraveva

Abstract Background Chemoprevention is one of several methods that have been developed to help high-risk women reduce their risk of breast cancer. Reasons for the low uptake of chemoprevention are poorly understood. This paper seeks a deeper understanding of this phenomenon by drawing on women’s own narratives about their awareness of chemoprevention and their risk-related experiences. Methods This research is based on a parent project that included fifty in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of African American and White women at elevated risk of breast cancer. This specific study draws on the forty-seven interviews conducted with women at high or severe risk of breast cancer, all of whom are eligible to use chemoprevention for breast cancer risk-reduction. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Results Forty-five percent of participants, and only 21% of African American participants, were aware of chemoprevention options. Women who had seen specialists were more likely to be aware, particularly if they had ongoing specialist access. Aware and unaware women relied on different types of sources for prevention-related information. Those whose main source of information was a healthcare provider were more likely to know about chemoprevention. Aware women used more nuanced information gathering strategies and worried more about cancer. Women simultaneously considered all risk-reduction options they knew about. Those who knew about chemoprevention but were reluctant to use it felt this way for multiple reasons, having to do with potential side effects, perceived extreme-ness of the intervention, similarity to chemotherapy, unknown information about chemoprevention, and reluctance to take medications in general. Conclusions Lack of chemoprevention awareness is a critical gap in women’s ability to make health-protective choices. Future research in this field must consider complexities in both women’s perspectives on chemoprevention and the reasons they are reluctant to use it.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidney Donzella ◽  
Kimberly E Lind ◽  
Meghan B Skiba ◽  
Leslie V Farland ◽  
Cynthia A Thomson ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose: Short and long sleep duration and poor sleep quality are risk factors for weight gain and cancer mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between sleep and weight change among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Methods: Women participating in the Women’s Health Initiative who were diagnosed with incident breast cancer between year 1 and year 3 were included. Self-reported sleep duration was categorized as ≤5 hours (short), 6 hours, 7-8 hours (optimal), and ≥9 hours (long). Self-reported sleep quality was categorized as poor, average, and above average. Post-diagnosis weight change was the difference of weight closest to, but preceding diagnosis, and year 3 weight. We used linear regression to evaluate sleep duration and sleep quality associations with post-diagnosis weight change adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Among 1,156 participants, 63% were weight stable after diagnosis; average weight gain post cancer diagnosis was 3.2 kg. Six percent of women reported sleeping ≤5 hours, 26% reported 6 hours, 64% reported 7-8 hours, and 4% reported ≥9 hours. There were no differences in adjusted estimates of weight change among participants with short duration (0.37kg; 95%CI -0.88, 1.63), or long duration (-0.56kg; 95% CI -2.03, 0.90) compared to optimal duration, nor was there a difference among poor quality (-0.51kg; 95% CI -1.42, 0.41) compared to above average quality. Conclusion: Among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, sleep duration and quality were not associated with weight change after breast cancer diagnosis. Future studies should consider capturing change in adiposity and to expand beyond self-reported sleep.


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