ASSOCIATION OF THYROID HORMONES AND ESTROGEN IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER

Some epidemiological studies have reported a relationship between thyroid dysfunctions and the risk of breast cancer’s giving the similarities between estrogen and thyroid function. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the level of thyroid gland hormones, TSH and estrogen in breast cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the month of September to November 2019. A total of 60 subjects attending breast cancer screening clinic of Federal Medical Center and Imo State University, Owerri were recruited for this study. The 60 subjects are between the ages of 20-60 years. The 60 subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1 (Test) consists of 30 females with breast cancer. Group 2 (Control) consists of 30 apparently healthy women with no breast cancer. Blood samples were collected, and the level of thyroid hormone and estrogen was determined. Data generated was then analysed using SPSS version 21. There was no significant difference (p=0.308 and p=0.626 respectively) in the mean value of T3 and T4 in breast cancer patients (3.42±0.07 and 1.41±0.15 respectively)µIU/ml when compared to Controls (3.11±0.64 and 1.35±0.23)µIU/ml. The mean value of TSH was significantly increased (p=0.02) in breast cancer patients (2.79±1.05)Pmol/ml when compared to controls (1.40±0.17)Pmol/ml. The mean value of estrogen was significantly increased (p=0.000) in breast cancer patients (540.39±66.70)pg/ml when compared to controls (222.10±58.09)pg/ml. There was a non significant negative correlation of serum estrogen with serum T3, and T4, (r= -0.253, p=0.682 and r=-0.107, p=0.864). There was a non significant positive correlation of serum estrogen with serum TSH (r=0.380, p=0.528). There is a strong association between breast cancer and serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone and estrogen, but there is no alteration in TSH hormones in breast cancer.