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Wahid MNA, Muhamad R, Mohamad N, Draman N. "Sexual sacrifice": a qualitative exploration of husbands' experience of living with survivors of breast cancer-sexual dysfunction in Malaysia. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:531. [PMID: 39031298 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08741-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Experiencing sexual dysfunction (SD) alongside a breast cancer (BC) diagnosis has significant consequences, not only for wives but also for their husbands. Therefore, we explored husbands' perspectives on sexuality and their encounters in dealing with wives' SD following a BC diagnosis. METHODS This qualitative study, conducted within the phenomenological framework, focused on sexually active husbands whose wives faced SD after being diagnosed with BC in Kelantan. Husbands with an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score above 11, indicating the absence of erectile dysfunction, were invited to participate in in-depth interviews conducted between September 2019 and March 2021. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the transcriptions were then managed and analyzed using the NVivo® analytic computer software. Thematic analyses were performed, taking into account the meaning-making theory. RESULTS To grasp husbands' experiences, three themes emerged. "Sex, a calming act," delves into their understanding of sexuality and its impact severity. "Distressing sequelae yet provide better tolerance" underscores that husbands experienced adverse consequences due to their wives' imperfections and sexual challenges, but they exhibited improved tolerance in dealing with these difficulties. Lastly, "Improving lives with multiple strategies" highlights how husbands sought alternative activities in response. CONCLUSION This study illuminates the experiences of husbands coping with their wives' SD following a BC diagnosis. Husbands had to reconsider their understanding of sexuality and sexual needs and employed various response and coping strategies. These strategies included emphasizing influences of culture (husbands' roles and rights), religious beliefs, and self-distraction, redirecting the focus to health concerns, and engaging in alternative activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Najman Abd Wahid
- Klinik Kesihatan Tandek, Kota Murudu, 89059, Sabah, Malaysia
- Management and Science University, MSU Learning Resource Centre, PT 209 & 210, Jalan Pengkalan Chepa, 15400, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rosediani Muhamad
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia.
| | - Noraini Mohamad
- School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Nani Draman
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
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Aga SS, Yasmeen N, Al-Mansour M, Khan MA, Nissar S, Khawaji B, Awadh A, Alasmari MM, Abushouk A. Knowledge, awareness and attitude towards breast cancer: Risk factors, signs and screening among Health and Allied students: A prospective study. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:1804-1824. [PMID: 38948630 PMCID: PMC11213396 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1720_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer in Saudi women. Therefore, understanding BC and its related risk factors, symptoms, and screening is critical for early detection and intervention. The current study was meant to explore the knowledge, awareness, and attitude (KAA) gap in BC: risk factors, symptoms, and screening. Material and Methods This cross-sectional investigation was carried out with Health Professions Students (HPS) using a predesigned and validated study questionnaire to examine HPS knowledge and attitudes concerning BC and associated risk factors, symptoms, and screening. Results A total of 277 female students responded to the survey. The frequency of correct answers for the BC knowledge questions varied from the lowest of 27.8% to the highest of 88.8%, with only 5 out of 15 questions (33.3%) answered correctly by more than 60% of the participants, displaying poor knowledge and awareness of BC. A majority (>60%) of the participants identified only 7 of the 18 risk factors of BC correctly, whereas 11 of the 13 early warning signs of BC were identified correctly by the majority (>60%) of the participants. Among the participants, only 26.4% were aware of the breast cancer screening center, but 94.6% of them agreed that early detection of breast cancer is important and 82.7% agreed to participate in the screening program if offered. Conclusion Participants' knowledge and awareness of BC were found to be relatively low; however, their attitudes towards BC screening were positive. As a result, it is critical to develop effective education programs, curricular activities, and awareness campaigns to address the lack of awareness of BC and to have an appropriate response to screening to reduce disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed S. Aga
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Molecular Diseases and Diagnostics Division, Infinity Biochemistry Pvt. Ltd, Sajjad Abad, Chattabal, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | - Nusrath Yasmeen
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mubarak Al-Mansour
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Adult Medical Oncology, Princess Noorah Oncology Center, King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad A. Khan
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saniya Nissar
- Molecular Diseases and Diagnostics Division, Infinity Biochemistry Pvt. Ltd, Sajjad Abad, Chattabal, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | - Bader Khawaji
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Awadh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moudi M. Alasmari
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amir Abushouk
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Abdul Manap AS, Wisham AA, Wong FW, Ahmad Najmi HR, Ng ZF, Diba RS. Mapping the function of MicroRNAs as a critical regulator of tumor-immune cell communication in breast cancer and potential treatment strategies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1390704. [PMID: 38726321 PMCID: PMC11079208 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1390704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Among women, breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer, and the presence of metastases significantly reduces prognosis and diminishes overall survival rates. Gaining insights into the biological mechanisms governing the conversion of cancer cells, their subsequent spread to other areas of the body, and the immune system's monitoring of tumor growth will contribute to the advancement of more efficient and targeted therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the interaction between tumor cells and immune cells, facilitating tumor cells' evasion of the immune system and promoting cancer progression. Additionally, miRNAs also influence metastasis formation, including the establishment of metastatic sites and the transformation of tumor cells into migratory phenotypes. Specifically, dysregulated expression of these genes has been associated with abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, thereby facilitating tumor development. This study aims to provide a concise overview of the significance and function of miRNAs in breast cancer, focusing on their involvement as tumor suppressors in the antitumor immune response and as oncogenes in metastasis formation. Furthermore, miRNAs hold tremendous potential as targets for gene therapy due to their ability to modulate specific pathways that can either promote or suppress carcinogenesis. This perspective highlights the latest strategies developed for miRNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimi Syamima Abdul Manap
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fei Wen Wong
- Faculty of Biosciences, MAHSA University, Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Zhi Fei Ng
- Faculty of Biosciences, MAHSA University, Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
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Abrar SS, Norsa'adah B, Yahya MM, Isa JA, Zon EM. Survival probabilities and prognostic factors of pregnancy-associated breast cancer in Malaysian women. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2024; 67:76-85. [PMID: 37985950 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.23151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is a rare cancer. This study aimed to determine the survival probabilities and prognostic factors in patients with PABC. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted in two tertiary care hospitals in Kota Bharu. We included all patients with breast cancer who were diagnosed by histopathology while pregnant or within 2 years post-partum from 2001 through 2020. We matched patients with PABC to non-pregnant patients with breast cancer by age and year of diagnosis. The data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS A total of 35 cases of PABC and 70 non-PABC controls were recruited. The 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival probabilities for patients with PABC were 58.6%, 47.54%, and 38.03%, respectively. The patients with PABC had a non-significant difference in survival probabilities compared with non-PABC patients. The significant prognostic factors of PABC were age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-0.96; P=0.001), advanced stage of cancer (aHR, 9.97; 95% CI, 3.96-25.2; P<0.001), and no surgery (aHR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.01-9.85; P=0.047). Pregnancy was not found to be an independent factor in the prognosis of PABC (aHR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.39-1.28; P=0.266). CONCLUSION Women diagnosed with PABC had similar survival probabilities compared with non-PABC patients. Pregnancy was not an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer. This information can be useful when women with breast cancer are counseled and supported with the option of beginning treatment with pregnancy continuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Abrar
- Unit of Biostatistics and Research Methodology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Bachok Norsa'adah
- Unit of Biostatistics and Research Methodology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Maya Mazuwin Yahya
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
- Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Junaidi A Isa
- Department of Surgery, Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Erinna M Zon
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
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Mei Yen MC, Islam T, Ellsworth-Beaumont C, Dhillon SK, Ganggayah MD, Taib NA. The "Know Your Lemons" Tools: A strategy to improve breast cancer warning signs recognition in Malaysia. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:231. [PMID: 37727439 PMCID: PMC10506761 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1579_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in Malaysia, with many diagnosed at late stages. The "Know Your Lemons" (KYL) visual educational tools were developed by KYL Foundation. This study aimed to evaluate participants' confidence levels and perceived knowledge in identifying BC symptoms before and after exposure to KYL tools. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out among 788 participants in three KYL health campaigns from 2017 to 2020. Perceived knowledge (a 5-item Likert scale was used, zero means "very poor" and 4 means "excellent knowledge") and confidence in identifying BC symptoms were studied. A Wilcoxon Matched-Paired Signed-Rank Test was performed to assess the perceived knowledge. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in the perceived knowledge Mean (±SD) score (2.84 ± 1.02) versus (4.31 ± 0.66) before and after the campaign (P < 0.01). About 95.6% agreed that the language used in KYL materials was clear and understandable, 89.8% agreed it is acceptable in Malaysian culture, and 80% felt more confident in identifying BC symptoms. Therefore, 90.8% had the intention of breast self-examination and 90.8% would consult a doctor if symptomatic. The majority (92.7%) agreed that the KYL tools clarified the BC tests needed. CONCLUSION The KYL tools enhanced perceived BC symptom recognition knowledge and confidence levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Chan Mei Yen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tania Islam
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- UM Cancer Research Institute, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Sarinder Kaur Dhillon
- Data Science and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Nur Aishah Taib
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- UM Cancer Research Institute, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Ismail NZ, Adebayo IA, Mohamed WAS, Mohamad Zain NN, Arsad H. Christia vespertilionis extract induced antiproliferation and apoptosis in breast cancer (MCF7) cells. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7361-7370. [PMID: 34665399 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06743-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND C. vespertiliomis extracts were evaluated for antiproliferative and apoptosis effect on breast cancer (MCF7) cells. METHODS AND RESULTS The leaves extracts were analysed for its antiproliferative effect on breast cancer (MCF7) cells and normal epithelial breast (MCF 10A) cells using Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The selective extract was evaluated for its ability to induce apoptosis using Annexin V-FITC apoptosis staining and the expression of molecular genes using qualitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) against MCF7 cells. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the compounds from the selective extract. The findings showed that dichloromethane fraction (CV-Dcm) extract had high antiproliferative effect against MCF7 cells (IC50 = 24 µg/mL, selective index (SI) = 8.17). The percentages of apoptosis cells in CV-Dcm-treated MCF7 cells was 58.8%. The CV-Dcm extract induced downregulation of PCNA level. The apoptotic genes were also triggered in both extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways, affecting a 1.5-fold increase in BAX, 1.4-fold increase in cytochrome c, 1.3-fold increase in caspase-8, 1.7-fold increase in caspase-3 and 0.5-fold-decrease in BCL-2. Treated MCF7 cells also activated P53-dependent apoptotic death pathway. CONCLUSIONS The present work strongly suggests that high efficacy of CV-Dcm extract was attributed to its antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activation in MCF7 cells, most likely due to its favourable compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Zafirah Ismail
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Kepala Batas, 13200, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ismail Abiola Adebayo
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Ishaka, Bushenyi, Uganda
- Analystical Biochemistry Research Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Wan Ahmad Syazani Mohamed
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Kepala Batas, 13200, Penang, Malaysia
- Institute of Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Persiaran Setia Murni, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Nadhirah Mohamad Zain
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Kepala Batas, 13200, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Hasni Arsad
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Kepala Batas, 13200, Penang, Malaysia.
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