AI Article Synopsis

  • - The study investigates the link between obesity and breast cancer characteristics in underserved populations in the U.S., focusing on safety-net hospitals.
  • - It analyzed data from 927 breast cancer patients, highlighting significant associations between body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, and disease stage at diagnosis, particularly in postmenopausal women.
  • - Findings indicated that obesity is associated with larger tumor sizes and more advanced lymph node involvement in postmenopausal patients, with higher obesity rates reported in African American patients.

Article Abstract

Background: Breast cancer continues to pose a significant public health challenge, with its incidence and disproportionate impact on underserved populations in the United States. The relationship between obesity and clinicopathological characteristics at presentation remains a critical area of investigation. Safety-net hospitals caring for underserved communities provide a unique setting to explore these associations. This study seeks to explore a critical gap in knowledge on obesity and breast cancer characteristics in underserved populations in the United States.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective study, 927 breast cancer patients were included. Analysis was conducted to assess the association between body mass index (BMI), age of diagnosis, tumor clinicopathologic characteristics, and molecular types stratified by menopausal status at diagnosis. Analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 29.

Results: A significant association was found between BMI and menopausal status (P < .05). Disease stage at presentation was significantly associated with BMI (P < .05). Further investigation into BMI categories and tumor characteristics revealed a significant correlation in postmenopausal women, with obesity linked to tumor size and lymph node status (P < .05). No significant associations were observed between HER-2 status, ER/PR status, and obesity in either premenopausal or postmenopausal groups.

Conclusion: This observational retrospective hypothesis-generating study revealed the association between obesity and disease stage and menopause status at diagnosis. In postmenopausal patients, obesity correlated with larger tumor size and advanced lymph node disease involvement. Additionally, ethnic variations were observed, with a higher prevalence of obesity among African American patients.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clbc.2024.08.008DOI Listing

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