Breast cancer in Pakistan: evaluating the health crisis and the path forward for women's wellbeing
Muhammad Nouman , M.Phil Health Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan Hafiz Fazal Mahmood , MPhil Medical laboratory Science, Khyber Medical university Peshawar, Pakistan Bashir Ahmad , M. Phil Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan Faiza Shams , M.Phil Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan Saad Ahmad khan , BS Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan Mian Waqar Ahmad , M. Phil Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan Hassan Zeb , M.Phil Medical Lab sciences (MLS), Iqra National University Peshawar, Pakistan Malaika Ahmed , M.Phil Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan Abdul Qadeer khan , Department of Allied Health Science, Iqra National University Peshawar, PakistanAbstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy among women globally. Historically regarded as a disease affecting older, middle-aged women, recent years have seen a growing incidence of BC among younger females, a trend also observed in studies conducted in Pakistan. This paper reviews the mutant functions of tumor suppressor genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, p53, ATM, and PTEN), epigenetic alterations, and the role of estrogen receptors in breast cancer development. Additionally, we examine the current BC scenario in Pakistan, highlighting a notably higher incidence among younger women. Data from SKMCH and RC indicate that women aged 45-49 years exhibit the highest incidence rate of 45.42%. Limited studies have reported a high expression of ER, PR, and HER-2/neu in Pakistani women. Furthermore, the presence of the BRCA1 (c.1961dupA) mutation in Pakistan aligns with global findings. However, no comprehensive studies have been conducted to investigate epigenetic transformations in breast tumors within the Pakistani population. This critical area of research warrants further exploration to provide a more complete understanding of BC in Pakistan.
Keywords
Breast Cancer, Epigenetic Transformation, Estrogen Receptor
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