Advancements in the use of blood tests for cancer screening in women at high risk for endometrial and breast cancer. (December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ambeba, Erica; Linkov, Faina
• Is Part Of: Future oncology. Volume 7:Number 12(2011)
• Page Start: 1399
• Page End: 1414
• Publication Date: 2011-12
• Subjects: ▪▪ -- barriers to screening -- cancer screening -- endometrial cancer -- obesity -- postmenopausal breast cancer -- serum biomarkers; Oncology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.2217/fon.11.127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-6694

Abstract

Several years ago, it was argued that the identification of serum biomarkers is one of the most promising approaches for the detection of early-stage malignant or even premalignant lesions. In this review, the need to establish better monitoring protocols is described for obese women who are at higher risk for the development of malignancies commonly associated with excess weight; specifically endometrial and postmenopausal breast cancer. These cancers have been chosen for this review article as our aim was to focus on female cancers that have been linked with obesity. Cancer screening is essential in detecting disease in its earliest stage in order to reduce morbidity and mortality; however, effective screening is not available for many cancer types. Even for cancers that have effective screening protocols available, there are barriers to screening in obese individuals, such as reduced mobility and embarrassment. These barriers often delay screening in these vulnerable population groups, leading to detection of the disease at a more advanced stage and ultimately leading to a poorer prognosis. As of today, biomarkers do not replace but augment imaging and other existing screening approaches. Future development of blood- or urine-based biomarkers as a way to screen individuals at high risk for certain cancers may prove to be an excellent method for overcoming the barriers that individuals at high risk are facing today. The overall purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview of screening techniques and to identified barriers and alternate biomarker-based approaches for improvement of endometrial and breast cancer screening in obese women.