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Cancers
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3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work
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3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2019) | Viewed by 40322

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Caterina Ledda

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Interests: occupational medicine; occupational epidemiology; workplace health promotion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Venerando Rapisarda

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: occupational medicine; health promotion; vaccine-preventable diseases risk mitigation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to promote the workshop “Breast cancer and work”, scheduled on 1 February 2019, at the University of Catania, Italy. The meeting will bring together an interdisciplinary group of oncologist, pathologists, epidemiologists and occupational physicians, all with extensive experience in breast cancer research.

Breast cancer, the most frequently occurring cancer in women, is a major public health problem, with over 1 million estimated new cases worldwide and nearly 459,000 related deaths. Breast cancer is highly heterogeneous in its pathological characteristics, with some cases showing slow growth with excellent prognosis, while others are aggressive tumors with widespread metastasis. Current predictions and statistics suggest that both the worldwide incidence of breast cancer and related mortality are on the rise. It has been predicted that the worldwide incidence of female breast cancer will reach approximately 3.2 million new cases per year by 2050. These numbers reflect the magnitude of breast cancer incidence, its effect on society worldwide and the urgent need for preventive and treatment measures. Breast cancer incidence and death rates generally increase with age; most of them are diagnosed in women over 50.

Some breast cancer risks factors may be preventable. Traditional risk factors for breast cancer include reproductive status, genetic mutations, family history and lifestyle. However, increasing evidence has identified an association between breast cancer and occupational/environmental factors.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to gather general updates on breast cancer and other more specific information related to the workplace and environmental factors.

Dr. Caterina Ledda
Prof. Venerando Rapisarda
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Breast cancer
  • BRCA
  • night-shift work
  • occupational exposure
  • workplace
  • epigenetics

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 165 KiB  
Editorial
3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work
by Venerando Rapisarda and Caterina Ledda
Cancers 2020, 12(7), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12071925 - 16 Jul 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1466
Abstract
Breast cancer, the most frequently occurring cancer in women, is a major public health problem, with over 1 million estimated new cases worldwide and nearly 459,000 related deaths every year [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work)

Research

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15 pages, 1771 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Diet and Dietary Interventions on the Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis and a Systematic Review of Experimental Studies
by Martina Barchitta, Andrea Maugeri, Roberta Magnano San Lio, Annalisa Quattrocchi, Flori Degrassi, Francesca Catalano, Guido Basile and Antonella Agodi
Cancers 2020, 12(2), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12020322 - 30 Jan 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5613
Abstract
There is an ongoing need for solid evidence about the effects of healthy behaviors, and particularly diet, on the quality of life (QoL) among breast cancer survivors. We first conducted a cross-sectional study on 68 Italian stage I-III breast cancer survivors, to investigate [...] Read more.
There is an ongoing need for solid evidence about the effects of healthy behaviors, and particularly diet, on the quality of life (QoL) among breast cancer survivors. We first conducted a cross-sectional study on 68 Italian stage I-III breast cancer survivors, to investigate the association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity and weight status with QoL. Adherence to MD and physical activity was assessed using structured questionnaires. QoL was assessed using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life tools. We showed that low consumption of red meat and carbonated beverages, daily consumption of wine and high consumption of dishes seasoned with sofrito had beneficial effects on several QoL subscales. By contrast, using olive oil as the main culinary fat, low consumption of commercial sweets and high consumption of nuts were associated with negative effects. Overall, these findings resulted in a null effect of adherence to MD on QoL. Furthermore, we observed better QoL sub-scores among women who performed moderate physical activity (i.e., diarrhea) and those who were underweight/normal weight (i.e., physical functioning and dyspnea) if compared with their counterparts (p-values ≤ 0.003 after correction for multiple comparison). Next, we performed a systematic review of nine experimental studies to summarize whether dietary interventions might improve QoL among breast cancer patients. All the studies demonstrated significant improvements in overall QoL and/or its subscales after the interventions. However, differences in study design, interventions and tools used for QoL assessment did not allow us to provide an overall estimate. Moreover, only a single-arm trial evaluated the effect of an exclusive dietary-based intervention, while others combined dietary recommendations with physical activity and weight loss programs. For these reasons, our study encourages more efforts to improve the robustness of current evidence, through more homogenous tools, larger population-based studies and further randomized controlled trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work)
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15 pages, 1464 KiB  
Article
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Expression: Diurnal Variability and Influence of Shift Work
by Massimo Bracci, Veronica Ciarapica, Maria Eléxpuru Zabaleta, Maria Fiorella Tartaglione, Silvia Pirozzi, Letizia Giuliani, Francesco Piva, Matteo Valentino, Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda, Richard G. Stevens and Lory Santarelli
Cancers 2019, 11(8), 1146; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers11081146 - 09 Aug 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5778
Abstract
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are involved in DNA double-strand break repair and related to breast cancer. Shift work is associated with biological clock alterations and with a higher risk of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the variability of [...] Read more.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are involved in DNA double-strand break repair and related to breast cancer. Shift work is associated with biological clock alterations and with a higher risk of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the variability of expression of BRCA genes through the day in healthy subjects and to measure BRCA expression levels in shift workers. The study was approached in two ways. First, we examined diurnal variation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in lymphocytes of 15 volunteers over a 24-hour period. Second, we measured the expression of these genes in lymphocytes from a group of shift and daytime workers. The change in 24-hour expression levels of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes was statistically significant, decreasing from the peak at midday to the lowest level at midnight. Lower levels for both genes were found in shift workers compared to daytime workers. Diurnal variability of BRCA1 and BRCA2 expression suggests a relation of DNA double-strand break repair system with biological clock. Lower levels of BRCA1 and BRCA2 found in shift workers may be one of the potential factors related to the higher risk of breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work)
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Review

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11 pages, 2129 KiB  
Review
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast: An Update with Emphasis on Radiological and Morphological Features as Predictive Prognostic Factors
by Lucia Salvatorelli, Lidia Puzzo, Giada Maria Vecchio, Rosario Caltabiano, Valentina Virzì and Gaetano Magro
Cancers 2020, 12(3), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12030609 - 06 Mar 2020
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 9412
Abstract
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) shows overlapping epidemiology with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, sharing similar risk factorssuch as age, mammographic density, family history, and hormonal therapy as well as genetic factors such as BRCA1/BRCA2, histotypes, and molecular subtypes such as luminal [...] Read more.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) shows overlapping epidemiology with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, sharing similar risk factorssuch as age, mammographic density, family history, and hormonal therapy as well as genetic factors such as BRCA1/BRCA2, histotypes, and molecular subtypes such as luminal A and B, HER2 enriched, and basal-type, thus suggesting its potential precursor role. A small percentage of patients with a history of DCIS die without a documented intermediate diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma (IBC). The increased risk of death is usually associated with ipsilateral recurrence such as IBC. The slightly variable incidence of DCIS in different countries is mainly due to a different diffusion of mammographic screening and variability of the risk factors. The majority of DCIS lesions are not palpable lesions, which can be only radiologically detected because of the association with microcalcifications. Mammography is a highly sensitive diagnostic procedure for detecting DCIS with microcalcifications, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered more sensitive to detect DCIS without calcifications and/or multifocal lesions. The aim of the present overview was to focus on the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of DCIS of the breast, with an emphasis on the practical diagnostic approach, predictive prognostic factors, and therapeutic options. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work)
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15 pages, 410 KiB  
Review
Clinical Decision Support Systems in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
by Claudia Mazo, Cathriona Kearns, Catherine Mooney and William M. Gallagher
Cancers 2020, 12(2), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12020369 - 06 Feb 2020
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 10710
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with more than 2.1 million new diagnoses worldwide every year. Personalised treatment is critical to optimising outcomes for patients with breast cancer. A major advance in medical practice is the incorporation of Clinical [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with more than 2.1 million new diagnoses worldwide every year. Personalised treatment is critical to optimising outcomes for patients with breast cancer. A major advance in medical practice is the incorporation of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs) to assist and support healthcare staff in clinical decision-making, thus improving the quality of decisions and overall patient care whilst minimising costs. The usage and availability of CDSSs in breast cancer care in healthcare settings is increasing. However, there may be differences in how particular CDSSs are developed, the information they include, the decisions they recommend, and how they are used in practice. This systematic review examines various CDSSs to determine their availability, intended use, medical characteristics, and expected outputs concerning breast cancer therapeutic decisions, an area that is known to have varying degrees of subjectivity in clinical practice. Utilising the methodology of Kitchenham and Charter, a systematic search of the literature was performed in Springer, Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, ACM, IEEE, and Scopus. An overview of CDSS which supports decision-making in breast cancer treatment is provided along with a critical appraisal of their benefits, limitations, and opportunities for improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work)
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13 pages, 552 KiB  
Review
Occupational Chemical Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk According to Hormone Receptor Status: A Systematic Review
by Veruscka Leso, Maria Luigia Ercolano, Dante Luigi Cioffi and Ivo Iavicoli
Cancers 2019, 11(12), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers11121882 - 27 Nov 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3225
Abstract
Breast cancers include a heterogeneous group of diseases with clinical behaviors that may vary according to the hormonal receptor status. However, limited knowledge is available on the role of breast cancer environmental and occupational risk factors in the onset of specific molecular disease [...] Read more.
Breast cancers include a heterogeneous group of diseases with clinical behaviors that may vary according to the hormonal receptor status. However, limited knowledge is available on the role of breast cancer environmental and occupational risk factors in the onset of specific molecular disease phenotypes. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide an overview on the possible correlation between occupational chemical exposures and breast cancers with a specific receptor pattern. Pubmed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases were systematically reviewed to identify all the studies addressing chemical exposure in workplaces and risk of breast cancer classified according to the presence of estrogen and/or progesterone receptors. Some positive associations were reported between solvent, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, organophosphoric insecticide, and synthetic fiber exposure and estrogen receptor-positive cases, while other investigations demonstrated a relationship with receptor-negative tumors or failed to detect any significant effect. Overall, further investigation should overcome limitations due to the self-reported information on work histories, the chemical classification in general categories, and the lack of environmental or biological monitoring exposure data. This may support the development of suitable and individually “tailored” occupational risk assessment and management strategies to protect the health of exposed workers, particularly those with hypersusceptibility conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work)
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Other

9 pages, 249 KiB  
Commentary
Return to Work of Breast Cancer Survivors: Perspectives and Challenges for Occupational Physicians
by Marcello Campagna, Roberto Loscerbo, Ilaria Pilia and Federico Meloni
Cancers 2020, 12(2), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12020355 - 04 Feb 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3341
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases worldwide, mainly affecting the female gender. Considering the increase of breast cancer incidence and the decrease of mortality due to news diagnostic and therapeutic tools, the return to work issue after treatment is going [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases worldwide, mainly affecting the female gender. Considering the increase of breast cancer incidence and the decrease of mortality due to news diagnostic and therapeutic tools, the return to work issue after treatment is going to be very common in the next years. Occupational physicians therefore need to face the return to work and the fitness for work of workers previously diagnosed with breast cancer with a sufficient cultural and technical background. In addition to individual characteristics preceding the diagnosis, clinical outcome, lifestyles and occupational variables are the most impactful factors on return to work that need to be taken into account. The aim of this work is to analyze these factors and discuss the central role of occupational physicians in the decision-making process of returning to work in breast cancer survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work)
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