sodium-ethylxanthate and Breast-Neoplasms

Cardiovascular diseases are the major causes of illness and death in women. Premenopausal women are relatively protected from coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis as compared to postmenopausal women, and this protection is attributed to the effects of the female sex hormone (estrogen). The vasculature, like the reproductive tissues, bone, liver, and brain, is now recognized as an important site of estrogen's action. Although estrogen's beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system are well described in many studies, the molecular basis of estrogen protective mechanisms are still quite vague. Both genomic mechanisms, mediated primarily through estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ER beta), and non-genomic mechanisms, through nitric oxide (NO), of estrogen action are controversial and do not entirely explain the effects of estrogen on vascular preservation during conditions of oxidative stress. Until recently, the atheroprotective effects of estrogen were attributed principally to its effects on serum lipid concentrations and cholesterol levels. However, two recent reports that estrogen therapy has no effect on the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in women with established disease, despite the favorable changes in LDL and cholesterol levels, leads to questions about the lipid/cholesterol mechanism of estrogen-mediated effects on atherosclerosis. Alternatively, the high level of homocysteine, found to correlate with accelerated cardiovascular disease and identified as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, was recently described to be diminished by estrogen. Protection against disturbed sulfhydryl metabolism and higher homocysteine level could be the missing link in understanding how exactly estrogen affects vascular cells metabolism and responses to oxidative stress. This review focuses on estrogen/homocysteine interactions and their relevance to the cardiovascular system.

Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Endothelium, Vascular; Estrogens; Female; Homocysteine; Humans; Lipids; Oxidative Stress; Risk Factors; Sex; Uterine Neoplasms

Breast cancer has the potential to be most devastating to the sexual function and self-esteem of premenopausal women. Nevertheless, not one study has systematically compared the impact of breast cancer treatment on sexual issues across age groups. Research shows that younger women with breast cancer have more severe emotional distress than older cohorts. In a group of patients seeking sexual rehabilitation in a cancer center, younger couples were more distressed, but also had the best prognosis with treatment. In theory, loss of a breast or poor breast appearance would be more distressing to women whose youth gives them high expectations for physical beauty. Seeking new dating relationships after breast cancer treatment is a special stressor for single women. Potential infertility also may impact on a woman's self-concept as a sexual person. Systemic treatment disrupts sexual function by causing premature menopause, with estrogen loss leading to vaginal atrophy and androgen loss perhaps decreasing sexual desire and arousability. Research on mastectomy versus breast conservation across all ages of women has demonstrated that general psychological distress, marital satisfaction, and overall sexual frequency and function do not differ between the two treatment groups. Women with breast conservation do rate their body image more highly and are more comfortable with nudity and breast caressing. There is some evidence that breast conservation offers more psychological "protection" for younger women. Research on the impact of breast reconstruction is sparse, but reveals similar patterns. Future studies should use rigorous methodology and focus on the impact of premature menopause and the effectiveness of sexual rehabilitation for younger women.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Emotions; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Mammaplasty; Mastectomy; Mastectomy, Segmental; Menopause, Premature; Middle Aged; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency; Quality of Life; Research Design; Sex; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Tamoxifen

Topics: Breast Feeding; Breast Neoplasms; Conflict, Psychological; Depression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Mastectomy; Neurotic Disorders; Personality; Projective Techniques; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Rehabilitation, Vocational; Sex; Stress, Psychological; Suicide; Symbolism; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

To provide a detailed description of rehabilitation problems of women, considered to be low risk and at risk for psychosocial morbidity, diagnosed with stage I and II breast cancer 1 month and 1 year after primary treatment.. A sample of 227 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were systematically interviewed by a clinical social worker and classified for risk of psychosocial distress in the year after diagnosis. They completed a battery of standardized instruments to assess quality of life (QL), rehabilitation needs, and psychologic distress. The primary QL instrument, the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES), provides a detailed listing of rehabilitation needs. Descriptive CARES data are presented with comparisons between the two groups.. The at-risk women had significantly more problems with greater severity than the low-risk women in all areas (physical, psychosocial, medical interaction, sexual, and marital). While both groups showed improvement over the year following diagnosis, the at-risk group had significantly more problems 1 year later. Many physical problems subside, but problems at the local surgical site, psychologic distress, communication with marital partners, and negative body image are more persistent in the at-risk group 1 year later, while half of both groups continue to have sexual dysfunction.. The detailed listing of problems provided by the CARES may be helpful to clinicians in their interactions with patients. The need for preventive and early intervention for the at-risk patients is underscored.

Topics: Anxiety; Breast Neoplasms; Depression; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Marriage; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Sex; Socioeconomic Factors; Stress, Psychological

A study of the differences in the psychosocial effects of mastectomy versus segmentectomy was done on a group of women who were in a prospective randomized protocol for treatment of primary breast cancer. Through questionnaires designed for this study and standardized psychologic tests, women with segmentectomies responded as significantly less anxious, less sad, and more in control of their life events than women with mastectomies. The women with segmentectomies had a statistically more positive sexual and body image than those with mastectomies. The trauma of viewing the surgery was much greater in patients with mastectomies. The concern about cancer recurrence was less in the segmentectomy group. The differences in psychosexual adaptation to mastectomy or segmentectomy and the fears of cancer recurrence were significantly better in the segmentectomy group. The adequacies of cancer therapy was the same for both groups in the national study. This study restresses the importance of the segmentectomy option for women with breast cancer in leading to a better quality of life.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Clinical Trials as Topic; Combined Modality Therapy; Demography; Emotions; Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Psychological Tests; Quality of Life; Random Allocation; Sex; Social Support

To assess whether timing of initial post-diagnosis cancer care differs between American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients, we accessed SEER-Medicare data for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers (2001-2007). Medicare claims data were examined for initiation of cancer-directed treatment. Overall, AI/ANs experienced longer median times to starting treatment than NHWs (45 and 39 days, p < .001) and lower rates of treatment initiation (HR[95%CI]: 0.86[0.79-0.93]). Differences were largest for prostate (HR: 0.80[0.71-0.89]) and smallest for breast cancer (HR: 0.96[0.83-1.11]). American Indians / Alaska Natives also had elevated odds of greater than 10 weeks between diagnosis and treatment compared with NHWs (OR[95% CI]: 1.37[1.16-1.63]), especially for prostate cancer (OR: 1.41[1.14-1.76]). Adjustment for comorbidity and socio-demographic factors attenuated associations except for prostate cancer. In this insured population, we observed evidence that AI/ANs start cancer therapy later than NHWs. The modest magnitude of delays suggests that they are unlikely to be a determinant of survival disparities.

Topics: Age Factors; Age of Onset; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alaska; Alaskan Natives; Breast Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Comorbidity; Female; Humans; Indians, North American; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Medicare; Neoplasm Grading; Neoplasms; Prostatic Neoplasms; Residence Characteristics; SEER Program; Sex; Socioeconomic Factors; Time-to-Treatment; United States; United States Indian Health Service; White People

The higher frequency of lung adenocarcinoma in women smokers than in men smokers suggests a role for gender-dependent factors in the etiology of lung cancer. We evaluated estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta expression and activity in human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and normal lung fibroblasts. Full-length ERalpha and ERbeta proteins were expressed in all cell lines with higher ERbeta than ERalpha. Although estradiol (E(2)) binding was similar, E(2) stimulated proliferation only in cells from females, and this response was inhibited by anti-estrogens 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) and ICI 182,780. In contrast, E(2) did not stimulate replication of lung adenocarcinoma cells from males and 4-OHT or ICI did not block cell proliferation. Similarly, transcription of an estrogen response element-driven reporter gene was stimulated by E(2) in lung adenocarcinoma cells from females, but not males. Progesterone receptor (PR) expression was increased by E(2) in two out of five adenocarcinoma cell lines from females, but none from males. E(2) decreased E-cadherin protein expression in some of the cell lines from females, as it did in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, but not in the cell lines from males. Thus, ERalpha and ERbeta expression does not correlate with the effect of ER ligands on cellular activities in lung adenocarcinoma cells. On the other hand, coactivator DRIP205 expression was higher in lung adenocarcinoma cells from females versus males and higher in adenocarcinoma cells than in normal human bronchial epithelial cells. DRIP205 and other ER coregulators may contribute to differences in estrogen responsiveness between lung adenocarcinoma cells in females and males.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Breast Neoplasms; Bronchi; Cadherins; Cell Proliferation; Epithelial Cells; Estradiol; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Estrogen Receptor beta; Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Fibroblasts; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Mediator Complex Subunit 1; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors; Receptors, Progesterone; Response Elements; RNA, Messenger; Sex; Transcription Factors; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Cells, Cultured

. The aim of this article is to investigate the way malignant fungating wounds affect femininity, sexuality and daily life in women with progressive breast cancer. Malignant wounds occur when the underlying localized tumour filtrates into the skin, blood capillaries and/or lymph vessels.. The study was a prospective and exploratory intervention study. The intervention was tested on 12 consecutively selected women with progressive breast cancer and malignant fungating wounds.. The 12 women participated in a 4-week wound care intervention programme that comprised evidence-based wound care principles and psychosocial support. Data were generated by means of interviewing prior to and following the intervention period.. The women described how malodorous and oozing wounds trigger anxiety about seepage, prevent them from wearing feminine attire and cause them to suppress the need for physical closeness and sexual activity. The results showed that by using modern wound care products, the patients could be secured against seepage and odour. The women experienced a sense of comfort, were able to dress again as they wished, no longer felt caged in and isolated and were given a sense of freedom which they had not felt for a long time.. The intervention succeeded in increasing breast cancer patients' psychosocial well-being and reducing social isolation.. There is a lack of standard methods of practice for care of malignant wounds in women with breast cancer. This article describes an intervention for wound care which could improve daily live in women with progressive breast cancer.

Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adaptation, Psychological; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude to Health; Bandages; Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Cost of Illness; Denmark; Exudates and Transudates; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Nursing Methodology Research; Odorants; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Sex; Skin Care; Skin Ulcer; Social Isolation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Women

Two studies have reported that young women with breast cancer face increased risk of early mortality if their first child was male rather than female. An immunological mechanism has been suggested. We sought to confirm these results in a larger, historical cohort study of 223 parous women who were aged <45 years at breast cancer diagnosis during 1983-1987. Subjects were identified through the Maine Cancer Registry. Follow-up data were obtained from hospitals, physicians, and death certificates. Reproductive history data were obtained from the next of kin of the deceased women, birth certificates, physicians, hospitals, and lastly, subjects. With a 7-year follow-up, multivariate modeling found a lower mortality risk in women with a male first child (hazard ratio [HR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.81, log-rank comparison). The survival advantage remained for at least 13 years in women with a male firstborn. Thus, previous studies were not confirmed. Mortality risk in young women with breast cancer is not increased by having borne a male first child rather than a female first child.

Topics: Adult; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Maine; Male; Parity; Pregnancy; Registries; Risk Factors; Sex; Survival Analysis

The implementation of the National Breast Screening Programme in the UK, and subsequent increase in early detection of small cancers, has facilitated breast conserving treatment for more women with a breast cancer diagnosis than ever before. While a substantial body of literature has evolved regarding psychosocial morbidity and support needs of women at diagnosis and during treatment, there are specific gaps in the current knowledge base. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of women who had breast conserving treatment for early breast cancer, focusing on issues related to diagnosis, surgery, and radiotherapy. The study was designed within the context of clinical audit, with a view to informing service development. Seventy-six women who had undergone breast conserving surgery within the last 3-12 months, completed a self-report questionnaire. Findings indicated that although the majority of women expressed satisfaction with their treatment overall, a number of specific areas require attention from healthcare professionals. Further research is required to validate these findings and to explore: potential implications of different referral routes; information and support needs preceding definitive diagnosis; particular needs of those women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) vs. invasive disease; 'end of treatment' and ongoing information and support needs.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mastectomy, Segmental; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Sex; Social Support; Surveys and Questionnaires

To explore gender differences and similarities in the dimensions of quality of life (QOL).. Secondary analysis of the Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale--Cancer Version (MQOLS--CA) data from two different research studies.. Multiple outpatient oncology sites.. The typical female participant (n = 254) was 58 years old (SD +/- 11.3) with 14 years of education, married/partnered (64%), Caucasian (88%), and diagnosed with breast (47%) or colorectal (16%) cancer. The typical male participant (n = 222) was 60 years old (SD +/- 14) with 14.3 years of education, married/partnered (69%), Caucasian (85%), and diagnosed with colorectal (31%) or prostate (13%) cancer.. Factor analytic procedures and reliability testing.. QOL as measured by the MQOLS-CA, gender.. For women, two factors emerged from the analysis procedures-psychosocial well-being (7 items) and physical competence (6 items). For the men, two different factors emerged--vitality (8 items) and personal resources (4 items). None of the cancer-specific items from the MQOLS-CA loaded on any of the factors for either gender.. Measurement of QOL requires gender-specific questions to accurately address the dimensions of the concept of QOL in females and males.. Additional research is warranted to replicate these findings. Gender-specific interventions could then be developed and tested to maximize the QOL of all patients.

Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Breast Neoplasms; California; Colorectal Neoplasms; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Pain; Prostatic Neoplasms; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Sex; Surveys and Questionnaires

As opposed to studies focused on the role of reconstruction in the rehabilitation of cancer patients, the aim of this study is to define what kind of women undergo post-mastectomy reconstruction. The social, cultural and psychological variables influencing women in this choice were assessed using a questionnaire administered to 45 women who had breast reconstruction and 51 who did not. An univariate analysis shows significant differences between the two groups regarding age, education, socioeconomic status, leisure activities, sexual intercourse, information about breast reconstruction and fear of recurrence. These results show that social status is a deciding factor in a woman's access to information about reconstruction. If every women undergoing mastectomy is to be given the opportunity of plastic surgery, we think that information must be adapted to psychosocial profile.

Topics: Age Factors; Breast Neoplasms; Culture; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Leisure Activities; Mammaplasty; Marital Status; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Sex; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires

This hypothesis proposes that carcinogens in the breast are generated by the action of superoxide free radicals released when acinal gland distension, under the influence of unopposed prolactin, causes microvessel ischaemia. Inadequate nipple care in the at-risk years leads to ductal obstruction preventing the elimination of carcinogens from the breast. The regular production of oxytocin (OT) from nipple stimulation would cause contraction of the myoepithelial cells, relieving acinal gland distension and aiding the active elimination of carcinogenic fluid from the breast. Mechanical breast pump stimulation causes an increase in plasma OT levels in the luteal but not in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. OT production upon nipple stimulation in the luteal phase of premenopausal, non-lactating women may be protective against the high rates of mitotic breast cell division noted at this time via the potential to block the effect of oestrogen. The epidemiology of breast cancer suggests that lengthy lactation time is beneficial. Sexual activity in nulliparous women also protects and OT levels have been shown to rise with orgasm in women and in men. OT systems in the brain are intricately linked to oestrogen and progesterone levels, and it is possible that these hormones may modify the OT secretory response both centrally and through an effect on the sensitivity of the breast. OT production with nipple care and in sex and lactation, and the reduction in cycling ovarian hormones that occurs with pregnancy, may all be important preventative factors in the development of breast cancer both pre- and post-menopausally.

Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Ischemia; Lactation; Menstrual Cycle; Microcirculation; Models, Biological; Nipples; Oxytocin; Prolactin; Sex; Superoxides

We examined the relationship between the survival of women with breast cancer and the gender of their first children using a genealogy-based survival analysis. The study group consisted of 2,155 parous women diagnosed in Utah (United States) with first primary breast cancers (excluding in situ tumors). We calculated hazard rate ratios (HRR) which were adjusted for stage, median survival times, and proportions surviving for three-, five-, and 10-year intervals stratified by age at diagnosis. Median survival among women diagnosed under the age of 45 was 171 months if the first child was female, but only 66 months if the first child was male (HRR = 1.66, 95 percent confidence interval = 1.07-2.57, for male children). For women diagnosed at age 45 or older, all survival times were similar, although women whose first child was male had slightly longer median survival time. These findings suggest that the gender of the first child has a strong influence on survival among women diagnosed under 45 years of age, but not among those diagnosed later in life. Gender of the first offspring may be a useful clinical indicator of prognosis and survival and may provide insights into etiologic and promotional factors for breast cancer.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Birth Order; Breast Neoplasms; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Life Tables; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Proportional Hazards Models; Registries; Sex; Sex Factors; Survival Rate; Utah

Between 1982 and 1985, a case-control study of nulliparous women, aged 25-45, was conducted to analyse the relationships between the risk of breast cancer and causes of nulliparity, including contraceptive methods. Fifty-one cases of breast cancer diagnosed less than 3 months before interview were matched with 95 controls on age at diagnosis, year of interview, and medical center. The causes of nulliparity related to female sterility or subfertility (mechanical or hormonal disorders) were not found to be associated with a significantly higher risk of breast cancer. The causes related to fertilization failure, i.e. no sexual partner, rare sexual intercourse (less than once per month), or partner with abnormal semen, were found to lead to an increased risk. Detailed analysis of contraceptive methods showed that the risk of breast cancer increased (p = 0.02) with a longer duration of use of barrier methods (withdrawal or condom). Conversely, the risk significantly decreased (p = 0.004) with a longer duration of use of non-barrier methods (oral contraceptives, IUD, cap, local spermicides, vaginal douche, safe period, or no method), i.e. methods allowing a direct exposure to human semen.

Topics: Adult; Breast Neoplasms; Case-Control Studies; Contraception Behavior; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Parity; Risk Factors; Sex

Seventy-four patients followed from 1 to 8 years post completion of breast-conserving surgery and radiation for early-stage breast cancer were asked to answer a questionnaire exploring their perception and awareness of the treated breast. The questionnaire was divided into several sections, including "Daily Activities", Pre-menstrual Changes", "Sexual Activities", and a summary "Satisfaction Index" section; when appropriate, comparisons were sought between the treated and untreated breasts. Preliminary results from this study indicate that 70% of all patients are aware of their treated breast in some way during everyday activities. The "Satisfaction Index" of this patient group is very high, with 75% rating their cosmetic result, and 81% their functional result "8" or higher on a scale of "0" to "10","10" indicating "best" or "normal".

Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Aged; Awareness; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mastectomy, Segmental; Menstrual Cycle; Middle Aged; Perception; Sex

Psychiatric and psychosocial adaptation to two types of treatment for primary breast cancer, modified radical mastectomy and partial mastectomy with radiotherapy, was studied five years after the primary treatment. 102 consecutive patients with pT1NOMO breast cancer were invited to follow-up which was done by standardized questionnaires. Nineteen women declined the invitation and 25 others were not included for various reasons, leaving 58 to complete the interviews. 30% of the women reported accentuated mental symptoms compared to the state before treatment, with no significant difference between the two treatment groups. Psychiatric state, marital adjustment and fear of cancer recurrence were also similar in the two groups. However, breast conserving treatment seems to preserve the woman's female identity and acceptance of body configuration. We conclude that breast conservation does not in itself prevent mental sequelae after treatment for primary breast cancer. Selective psychoprophylactic programs and reorganization of the postoperative follow-up should be tried to diminish unwanted psychological reactions.

Topics: Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Demography; Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Patient Education as Topic; Retrospective Studies; Sex; Sweden

Within the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death by disease among adults and children alike. Although cancer has been characterized as primarily a disease of aging, there is growing awareness that many of the cancer risk factors have their origins earlier in life. In keeping with the current trend of pediatricians assuming the primary care responsibility of adolescents and young adults, this article reviews the current status of primary and secondary cancer prevention as it relates to pediatric practice.

Topics: Adolescent; Alcohol Drinking; Breast Neoplasms; Child; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Obesity; Primary Prevention; Risk; Sex; Smoking; Testicular Neoplasms; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

We studied two cases of uveal metastasis from carcinoma of the breast in men. One patient was a 51-year-old man who developed ocular symptoms nine months after excision of a breast mass histologically diagnosed as an infiltrating ductal carcinoma. After the patient committed suicide, an autopsy disclosed metastatic lesions to the lungs, mediastinum, and chest wall. The second patient was a 49-year-old man who complained of ocular symptoms three years after undergoing mastectomy for breast carcinoma. One month after the onset of the ocular symptoms, his left eye was enucleated. Metastatic lesions were detected in the lungs and brain. More than one year after undergoing bilateral orchiectomy, and after whole-brain radiation therapy (4,500 rads) and chemotherapy, the patient has no neurologic symptoms. It appears that mammary carcinoma in men has a poorer prognosis than it does in women, probably because of two main factors: the advanced clinical stage of the disease when it is first detected and the more diffuse infiltrating character of the mass because of the scarcity of mammary tissue in men.

Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sex; Uveal Neoplasms

Fifty-one patients who received primary radiation therapy as an alternative to radical mastectomy for the treatment of early breast cancer were studied in depth. They chose radiation therapy to avoid the disfigurement, difficulty with emotional adjustment, and adverse effects on their sexual lives they anticipated from mastectomy. Most of these women (median age 49) were leading active sexual lives in which their breasts play an important role. Their breasts also played an important role in enabling them to feel feminine, attractive, and sexually desirable. Forty-three percent of the patients who had had suicidal ideation because of feelings about breast cancer no longer were troubled by suicidal thoughts after learning about primary radiation therapy and the fact that they would not have to have a mastectomy. Recent reports that radiation therapy causes more psychic distress than other forms of cancer treatment appear to be incorrect in this particular population.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Body Image; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Sex; Suicide

Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Counseling; Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Postoperative Care; Sex; Stress, Psychological

Topics: Anxiety; Attitude to Health; Breast Neoplasms; Counseling; Depression; Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Mathematics; Models, Psychological; Prognosis; Sex

Topics: Alcoholism; Breast Neoplasms; Erectile Dysfunction; Female; Humans; Male; Penile Neoplasms; Sex; Sex Education

Topics: Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Mastectomy; Sex

In a study in upstate New York, incidence and survival rates of 317 young women (less than 45 years), diagnosed with breast cancer, were examined in relation to the sex of each woman's first offspring. While incidence of breast cancer was not found to be affected by the sex of the first child, prognosis was poorer when the first child was made (p less than 0.05). The authors examined the effect of stage at diagnosis, interval between first pregnancy and diagnosis and concurrent pregnancy at the time of diagnosis as factors other than sex of first offspring that might have an additional influence on survival. Among these, only interval had an effect, and it was of weak statistical significance (0.05 less than p less than 0.1). These findings regarding survival in relation to the sex of the offspring are opposite to those reported recently in France by Juret et al. (Lancet 1:415-416, 1978). Possible differences between the two studies which may account for the opposite findings are discussed.

Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; New York; Parity; Pregnancy; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Sex

The human breast cancer (Br-10) serially transplanted to nude mice (BALB/c-nu/nu) grew well in female mice but very slowly or not at all in untreated male mice and female mice treated with 1 mg of testosterone i.m. twice a week. The growth in female mice was arrested by ovariectomy, and that in male mice was accelerated by 0.1 mg of estradiol i.m. once a week. Tumors in female and estrogenized male mice retained the original histology of duct carcinoma. Tumors in ovariectomized female, androgenized female, and male mice consisted of cells with smaller and more uniform nuclei, forming markedly dilated lumina in the first group and arranged in lobular patterns in the latter two groups. High-affinity 8 S and 4 S estrogen receptors were present in tumors transplanted to female nude mice, but no progesterone receptors were detected. These results provide experimental evidence for the hormone dependency of a human breast cancer in vivo and strongly suggest the important role of estrogen and androgen in the growth regulation of some estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancers.

Topics: Animals; Breast Neoplasms; Castration; Estradiol; Female; Humans; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Neoplasm Transplantation; Neoplasms, Experimental; Prolactin; Receptors, Estrogen; Receptors, Progesterone; Sex; Testosterone; Transplantation, Heterologous; Transplantation, Isogeneic

Topics: Anxiety; Breast Neoplasms; Depression; Ego; Female; Frustration; Guilt; Humans; Neoplasms; Neurotic Disorders; Ovarian Neoplasms; Psychological Tests; Psychometrics; Psychophysiologic Disorders; Self Concept; Sex; Uterine Neoplasms

Topics: Adult; Aged; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Castration; Diethylstilbestrol; Fibrosarcoma; Humans; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Palliative Care; Sex

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Androgens; Breast Neoplasms; Castration; Child; Enzyme Inhibitors; Estradiol; Estrogens; Estrone; Female; Geriatrics; Humans; Leukocytes; Menopause; Menstruation; Ovary; Pharmacology; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Saponins; Sex; Testosterone

Topics: Adrenalectomy; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Humans; Neoplasm Metastasis; Palliative Care; Sex

Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Bronchial Neoplasms; Bronchoscopy; Female; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms; Ovarian Neoplasms; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pleural Neoplasms; Radiography, Thoracic; Sex; Thyroid Neoplasms; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Uterine Neoplasms

Topics: Adolescent; Aging; Breast Neoplasms; Bronchial Neoplasms; Child; Connecticut; Geriatrics; Humans; Incidence; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Neoplasms; New York; Prostatic Neoplasms; Rectal Neoplasms; Sex; Skin Neoplasms

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aging; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Sex; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

Topics: Animals; Breast Neoplasms; Coitus; Humans; Mammary Neoplasms, Animal; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Neoplasms; Oncogenic Viruses; Research; Sex