Abstract
Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Combinations of internal and external factors like trace elements are involved in initial development of breast tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare serum levels of Zn, Cu and Cu/Zn ratio in breast cancer patients and control group.
Material and Method: This case – control study was composed of 50 Iranian women diagnosed with breast cancer and 50 normal individuals. The age range of patients and controls was 30-50 yrs. Blood samples were obtained and were isolated immediately and levels of Zn and Cu were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).
Results: Mean levels of Zn and Cu in breast cancer patients were 0.969.19 and 1.47.48 mg/L, respectively. The mean concentrations of Zn and Cu in normal individual were 1.07.35and 1.09.20 mg/L, respectively. While there was a significant correlation between Cu levels of patient and control (p<0.001). In addition, the ratio of Cu/Zn in breast cancer patient and controls were 1.52 and 1.12, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion: It is speculated that changes of trace elements particularity Zn and Cu could have a forewarning for the distinction and cure breast cancer.