Host factors and breast cancer growth characteristics

The rate of growth and spread of breast cancer varies considerably from patient to patient. An observational study was undertaken to identify possible associations between breast cancer growth characteristics and a wide variety of host factors, including demographic, anthropometric, hormonal and dietary variables in 91 patients with breast cancer. Increasing age was associated with favourable growth characteristics, while previous tonsillectomy was associated with adverse growth characteristics. There were no significant associations in anthropometric variables. For postmenopausal women, increasing bioavailability of oestradiol was associated with favourable growth characteristics, while increasing prolactin concentration was associated with adverse growth characteristics. Increasing consumption of sugar, fibre, fruit and vegetables and vitamins was associated with favourable growth characteristics. Consumption of fat (monounsaturated and saturated) was associated with adverse characteristics when adjustment was made for total energy intake. The host environment may play a role in the control of breast cancer growth. In particular, the associations with oestrogen and progesterone receptor status indicate that nutrients may be of value as biological response modifiers in patients having hormonal therapy. This requires further investigation to assess therapeutic potential.