Metal exposure and breast malignancy: A case-control study of Malwa Region of Punjab

Breast cancer is triggered by uncontrollable breast cell development. These metals may build up in human serum and tissues, causing estrogenic/malignant consequences. Therefore, metals are being studied to investigate whether they enhance the risk of endocrine-related malignancies like breast cancer.

This study assessed the level of metals such as Cd, As, Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn, and Fe in 120 women undergoing breast cancer surgery in the Malwa region of Punjab. Subjects having malignant breast lesions (n = 83) were grouped in the cancer case group whereas subjects with benign breast lesions (n = 37) were separated as a control group. From each case, blood, breast tumor, surrounding adipose tissue samples were obtained, and metal analysis was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

In malignant cases, the amount of metals ranges from 0.04 to 139.18 μg/kg in tumor. Whereas in adipose tissues and blood, it ranges from 0.04 to 1164.0 μg/kg and from 0.02 to 276.61 μg/kg, respectively. In control group, the total amount ranges from 0.05 to 332.72 μg/kg in the tumor, from 0.13 to 125.61 μg/kg in adipose tissues, and from 0.01 to 121.76 μg/kg in the blood. The level of Cd, Cr, Zn, Fe, Ni, and Pb were observed to be statistically significant/extremely significant whereas Arsenic was detected in no groups.

The results indicate that Cd, Cr, Zn, Fe, Ni, and Pb may play a significant role in the development of breast cancer. The parenchymal component of tumor tissues accumulates heavy metals at a higher rate.