Menstrual Cycle Phase and Breast Cancer Survival
Author Information
Author(s): Th. Wobbes, C.M.G. Thomas, M.F.G. Segers, P.G.M. Peer, E.D.M. Bruggink, L.V.A.M. Beex
Primary Institution: University Hospital Nijmegen
Hypothesis
Does the phase of the menstrual cycle influence disease-free survival in patients with mammary carcinoma?
Conclusion
The phase of the menstrual cycle during surgery does not affect the disease-free survival of patients with mammary carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- No significant differences in disease-free survival were found between the preovulatory, periovulatory, and post-ovulatory groups.
- Seven out of 24 preovulatory patients, 7 out of 36 periovulatory patients, and 10 out of 29 post-ovulatory patients developed metastases.
- The study's findings are consistent with other studies that also found no relationship between menstrual cycle phase and survival.
Takeaway
This study found that it doesn't matter what phase of the menstrual cycle women are in when they have surgery for breast cancer; their chances of staying cancer-free are the same.
Methodology
The study evaluated 89 premenopausal women with mammary carcinoma, categorizing them into three menstrual cycle phases based on hormone levels measured in serum samples collected before surgery.
Potential Biases
The study's reliance on serum hormone levels may reduce bias compared to retrospective studies that depend on patient-reported menstrual cycle data.
Limitations
The study group is small, and larger studies are needed for definitive conclusions.
Participant Demographics
All participants were premenopausal women treated surgically for mammary carcinoma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.22 and 0.58
Statistical Significance
p>0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website