Decision aids for female BRCA mutation carriers: a scoping review.

Objectives: Women who inherit a pathogenic or mutation are at substantially higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer than average. Several cancer risk management strategies exist to address this increased risk. Decisions about which strategies to choose are complex, personal and multifactorial for these women.

A pilot study investigating feasibility of mainstreaming germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing in high-risk patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer in three tertiary Cancer Centres in Ireland.

In the Republic of Ireland (ROI), BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing has been traditionally undertaken in eligible individuals, after pre-test counselling by a Clinical Geneticist/Genetic Counsellor. Clinical Genetics services in ROI are poorly resourced, with routine waiting times for appointments at the time of this pilot often extending beyond a year. The consequent prolonged waiting times are unacceptable where therapeutic decision-making depends on the patient's BRCA status.

Decision aids for female BRCA mutation carriers: a scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Women who inherit a pathogenic mutation in Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes 1 or 2 (BRCA1 or BRCA2) are at substantially higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer than the average woman. Several cancer risk management strategies exist to address this increased risk. Decisions about which risk management strategies to choose are complex, personal and multifactorial for these women.

Fibromatosis of the breast: a 10-year multi-institutional experience and review of the literature.

Background: Breast fibromatosis is a rare clinical entity, but poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In light of recent changes in management practices, the aim was to review our institutional experience of breast fibromatosis and provide a review of current available literature on such management.

Methods: A search of pathological databases within two tertiary institutions for all patients diagnosed with fibromatosis of the breast over a 10-year period (2007-2016) was performed.

Impact of progesterone receptor status on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients.

Introduction: Breast cancer patients respond differently to neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC) based on receptor subtype. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of progesterone receptor (PgR) status on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in estrogen receptor (ER)+, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)- breast cancer patients.

Methods: ER+ and HER- patients receiving NAC over a 7-year period (2011-2017) were identified.

Breast reconstruction post mastectomy- Let's Google it. Accessibility, readability and quality of online information.

Introduction: This study evaluated the readability, accessibility and quality of information pertaining to breast reconstruction post mastectomy on the Internet in the English language.

Methods: Using the Google search engine the keywords "Breast reconstruction post mastectomy" were searched for. We analyzed the top 75 sites.

Is satisfaction with surgeon a determining factor in patient reported outcomes in breast reconstruction?

Background: Patient reported outcomes are increasingly being taken into account in planning health service provision. Few studies have examined how the process of care influences patients' perception of outcome. The aim of the current study was to quantify patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction and to examine the demographic, disease and process-of-care variables that contributed to satisfaction with breasts and overall outcome.

The development of the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance after adjuvant treatment for breast cancer.

Background: Adjuvant breast cancer treatment is associated with a number of adverse physical changes, including weight gain, and therefore may represent a critical period for the development of metabolic disturbance.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the presentation of the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and insulin resistance from breast cancer surgery to postcompletion of adjuvant treatment.

Methods: Sixty-one participants who had completed metabolic screening, including fasting blood samples and anthropometric measurements, on the morning of breast cancer surgery were recruited.

The presentation of metabolic dysfunction and the relationship with energy output in breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Breast cancer prognosis can be adversely influenced by obesity, physical inactivity and metabolic dysfunction. Interventions aimed at improving surrogate markers of breast cancer risk such as insulin resistance may result in improved breast cancer outcomes. The design of such interventions may be improved through increased understanding of metabolic presentation in this cohort.

A prospective investigation of predictive and modifiable risk factors for breast cancer in unaffected BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene carriers.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide. The lifetime risk of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer is approximately 12.5%.

Osteopoikilosis masquerading as osseous metastases in breast cancer.

Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is a rare, congenital bone disorder characterised by multiple round or ovoid radio densities appearing throughout the axial and appendicular skeleton. It is usually an asymptomatic condition diagnosed incidentally on radiological imaging, and may mimic other bone disorders, including osseous metastases. In this case report, we present a patient with lobular breast cancer whose computed tomography findings were thought to be consistent with osseous cancer metastases.

Influence of the metabolic syndrome on leptin and leptin receptor in breast cancer.

Obesity and its associated metabolic syndrome (MetS) are recognized risk factors for breast cancer. The molecular basis for this association remains largely unknown. Adipokines, in particular leptin and adiponectin, are thought to form part of the mechanism linking obesity with cancer through their altered expression/production either systemically (endocrine pathway) or locally (paracrine/autocrine pathway).

Surgical management of an Irish cohort of BRCA-mutation carriers.

Little information is available regarding the management of BRCA-related breast cancer in Ireland. A cancer genetics programme was initiated in 1992 at our institution to provide counselling and expert management for those with cancers resulting from inherited predisposition. We examined a cohort of BRCA mutation-carriers treated at a single institution over 16 years.

Mammary ductoscopy in the evaluation and treatment of pathologic nipple discharge: a Canadian experience.

Background: Mammary ductoscopy allows direct visualization of ductal epithelium using a fibreoptic microendoscope. As the first centre in Canada to apply ductoscopy to surgical practice, we report our experience with this technology.

Methods: Between 2004 and 2008, 65 women with pathologic nipple discharge underwent ductoscopy before surgical duct excision under general anesthetic.

The effects of low-frequency endo-anal electrical stimulation on faecal incontinence: a prospective study.

Background And Aims: Faecal incontinence is a distressing problem that is often not amenable to surgical correction. Chronic low-frequency electrical stimulation of damaged axons is thought to reduce synaptic resistance, increase the size of motor units by axonal sprouting and increase the rate of conduction of the pudendal nerve. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of chronic low-frequency endo-anal electrical stimulation on faecal incontinence using a home-based unit and hospital-supervised therapy.

Prospective observational cohort study of time saved by prehospital thrombolysis for ST elevation myocardial infarction delivered by paramedics.

Objectives: To evaluate a system of prehospital thrombolysis, delivered by paramedics, in meeting the national service framework's targets for the management of acute myocardial infarction.

Design: Prospective observational cohort study comparing patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction considered for thrombolysis in the prehospital environment with patients treated in hospital.

Setting: The catchment area of a large teaching hospital, including urban and rural areas.