LIPID PROFILE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN BREAST CANCER

Background: According to WHO, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the women worldwide, soearly diagnosis is the best way to reduce its morbidity and mortality. Among various risk factors, the relationship between serum lipid profile and breast cancer is still unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate this relationship.

Methodology: Prospective, descriptive observational study with a comparative study designconducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi between November 2018 to April 2019.

Results: 140 patients were divided into two groups i.e. cases and controls. Both groups were equally sub divided based on menstrual status. Independent student t-test was applied for comparison between the groups. BMI was significantly higher in the study group as compared to control group (p=0.002). Serum TG and LDL levels were higher in breast cancer patients (p= 0.032 and p=0.07 respectively). Cholesterol level was not statistically different in any group (p= >0.05). Higher HDL levels were seen in pre-menopausal cases (p=0.004) but there was no statistical difference when studied across cases and control groups.

Conclusion: As breast cancer is the most common tumor in females, so early diagnosis is the key to reduce its morbidity and mortality. In this study, higher BMI, TG and LDL levels were seen in breast cancer patients as compared to controls. So, it may be concluded that BMI and dyslipidemia have some role in the etiology of breast cancer.