The Effects of Plasma Folate and Other B Vitamins on Breast Cancer Risk - Kim, S.J.

Jun 2, 2015
Speaker: Kim, S.J.
Collaborators: Zuchniak A., Schroder T., Kim Y.I., Lamers Y., Kotsopoulos J., Narod S.

This research presentation is from the 2 monute oral segment of the Women's Xchange Spring Event 2015, Women's Health Research, Reaching teh Hard to Reach

Abstract: Background: Women who inherit a deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation face a high lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Current prevention options are limited and alternative prevention recommendations such as diet modification is greatly desired by this population. Folate, and other B-vitamins, are well-positioned to influence cancer etiology as they play a pivotal role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. Although some evidence suggests a relationship between adequate folate intake and decreased breast cancer risk, emerging studies suggest that high folate status may increase tumour growth and breast cancer risk. Recent increase in folate intake due to mandatory food fortification and folic acid supplementation prior to/during pregnancy underscores the need to clarify a role of this nutrient and interacting B vitamins on breast cancer risk for this population.

Objectives: To prospectively investigate the relationship between plasma folate, B12 and B6 levels and the risk of breast cancer in women with a BRCA1/2 mutation.

Methods: 171 Canadian women enrolled in an on-going international cohort of BRCA mutation carriers who provided a blood sample at enrollment and had no previous history of breast/ovarian cancer were included in the study. Baseline and biennial follow-up questionnaires collected relevant information regarding family, reproductive and medical histories, selected lifestyle factors, and disease incidence. Baseline blood samples were previously stored and frozen as plasma and assayed for folate, B12, MMA and B6 levels. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: During a mean follow-up of 8 years, 21 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Preliminary findings are expected in May 2015.

Impact: The results from this study will help develop safe and targeted recommendations for prevention in genetically predisposed women.