Determination of Red Blood Cells Trace Elements as Risk Factors for Breast Cancer by X-Ray Fluorescence

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that cause women death. Several factors influence the development of breast cancer. Trace elements are associated with breast cancer risk factors. This study investigated six trace elements in red blood cells of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, compared to healthy women. Methods: 38 Sudanese women participated in this study; 19 of them were breast cancer patients, who were compared with 19 healthy women of the same age to determine the concentrations of K, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ca, and Pb in red blood cells by X-ray fluorescence. Results: K concentration was significantly increased in breast cancer patients compared to the control group (P= < 0.001). Zn and Cu were slightly decreased in patients compared to the control group. In contrast, insignificant increase was observed for Fe, Ca and Pb in breast cancer patients compared to the control group. Correlations between Fe and Cu, K and Pb were found in breast cancer patients. Conclusion: High K concentration in red blood cells is associated with breast cancer risk in Sudanese women. K can be used as a biomarker for breast cancer prognosis and development.