No abstract

Downregulation of GSTP1 is a significant predictor of pCR and improved progression-free survival during anthracycline-based and taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

AimTo compare barriers against mammography screening (MS) in socioeconomically the most and the least developed cities in a developing country, Turkey.MethodsWe compared two population-based survey studies investigating barriers against MS in women aged 40-69 years and living in the lowest socioeconomic status (SES) city (Mus) and the highest SES city (Istanbul/Bahcesehir).ResultsIn Mus 2,054 and in Bahcesehir 908 women were surveyed. MS rate was higher in Bahcesehir (49% vs. 35%, p<0.001). Being younger than 50 years old and having no insurance were barriers against MS in Mus. Being older than 60 years of age, widowhood, being illiterate, unemployment, a monthly income lower than the hunger threshold and limited insurance coverage were barriers against MS in Bahcesehir. Both in Mus and in Bahcesehir women not reading the daily newspaper and not making annual gynecology visits had lower MS rates. Both in Mus and in Bahcesehir audiovisual media was the most common source of information about breast cancer (BC). Women, who had a chance to be informed about BC by their doctors, had a higher MS rate. Being knowledgeable about BC being the most common cancer in females increased MS rates in both cities, while a false belief of MS exposing to unnecessary radiation decreased MS rates in both cities.ConclusionBoth in high and low SES populations more efforts should be given to influence women with low educational level, low-income level, and having no/limited insurance, while designing BC awareness programs. Low SES populations women being in 40-49 years age interval, in high SES populations being in 60-69 years age interval, and widowhood were SES-specific barriers and should be taken into consideration. Audiovisual media should be used efficiently to educate women on BC. Physicians from all specialties should not miss the chance to refer their patients to MS.

The primary goal of treatment for post-menopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is reduction in fracture risk. Therefore, bisphosphonates (BF) are the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. Because of their urinary elimination, bisphosphonates must be carefully administered in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Renal toxicity seems different among these compounds, and it is basically due to their protein binding and the average lifespan of renal tissues. In practice, renal toxicity has been associated with infusion speed and excessive dosage. Treatment decisions are more difficult with stage 4 and especially stage 5 CKD who had fragility fractures. In spite of this, bisphosphonates can safely be used at stage to 1 -3 CKD stages, haemodialysis and after the kidney transplant. When bisphosphonates are given stage 4 CKD patients it seems reasonable to reduce the dose to 50%. There are few data on the efficacy (reduction in fracture risk) or safety of any BF in patients with stage 5 CKD.

European Journal of Breast Health (Eur J Breast Health) is an international, scientific, open access periodical published by independent, unbiased, and double-blinded peer-review principles. It is the official publication of the Turkish Federation of Breast Diseases Societies, and Senologic International Society is the official supporter of the journal.