Evaluation of Biomarker and Clinical Indicators in Women with Breast Cancer in Kirkuk Governorate: A Comparative Study

Ahlam Ahmed Mahmood

doi:10.17605/cajmns.v6i4.2908

Ahlam Ahmed Mahmood Kirkuk Teaching Hospital , Medical Microbiology Department, Kirkuk , Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/cajmns.v6i4.2908

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Biomarkers, CA 15-3, CEA, HER2, Prognosis, Tumor Size, Ki67, Kirkuk

Abstract

Being one of the commonest cancers among women (and rank as leading cause of death in women) makes breast cancer a global problem and Iraqi experience is not different. This study was conducted to assess some biochemical, clinical and prognostic indicators among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Kirkuk Governorate (Iraq) as compared to a control group of apparently healthy women. The clinical parameters included tumor diameter, hormone receptor status (ER/PR), HER2 expression and lymph node metastasis and biochemical indicators such as CA 15-3, CEA, CRP and LDH. Results demonstrate the differences of these biomarkers between these two groups, showing potential for effective diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. The study included 90 women: 60 with breast cancer and 30 without it. The data showed that the proportion of patients with larger-size tumor, HER2-positive patient and more positive nodes in the patient group were significantly higher. Additionally, key biomarkers CA 15-3, CEA, CRP and LDH were also increased in breast cancer group suggesting potential for use of these markers for both diagnosis and follow-up of the disease. Tumor characteristics, hormone receptor status, and the prevalence of lymph nodes among breast cancer patients showed significant differences in our study being compared to controls. The levels of CA 15-3, CEA, CRP and LDH are increased in the patient group indicating that these biomarkers may be useful for confirming the presence of breast cancer and monitoring its behavior. This study emphasizes the clinical and biochemical markers have their importance in diagnosis, prognosis as well as monitoring for breast cancer burden to different districts like Kirkuk Governorate. Studies in this area should continue to improve treatments and prevent poor outcomes for patients.

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