The association between systemic inflammation markers and breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women worldwide. Inflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the association between inflammatory markers and breast cancer prevalence and explore their potential biomarker value. Using data from the NHANES, approximately 20,000 participants were analyzed to assess the association between six systemic inflammatory markers and breast cancer prevalence. Statistical methods including multivariable logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and interaction testing were employed. ROC curves were used to evaluate and compare their diagnostic capabilities. This study included 19,734 participants. We observed a significant positive correlation between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and breast cancer prevalence (OR = 1.35; 95% CI:1.09, 1.67), with PLR demonstrating good predictive performance for breast cancer. Additionally, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index(SIRI) and aggregate index of systemic inflammation(AISI) were also found to be positively associated with breast cancer prevalence. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests revealed that the association between PLR and BC did not differ significantly among population groups. ROC curve analysis indicated that PLR (AUC = 0.59; 95%CI: 0.56, 0.63) outperformed other inflammatory markers in predicting BC. Systemic inflammatory markers, especially PLR, are significantly associated with BC prevalence and demonstrate potential as biomarkers for early detectionn. People with elevated inflammation markers should pay close attention to the latent prevalence of BC.