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. 2020:24:19.129.
doi: 10.7812/TPP/19.129.

Breast Cancer: Lifestyle, the Human Gut Microbiota/Microbiome, and Survivorship

Balazs I Bodai  1 , Therese E Nakata  1
Affiliations

Breast Cancer: Lifestyle, the Human Gut Microbiota/Microbiome, and Survivorship

Balazs I Bodai et al. Perm J. 2020.

Abstract

Patients with a current diagnosis of breast cancer are enjoying dramatic cure rates and survivorship secondary to an increase in awareness, earlier detection, and more effective therapies. Although strategies such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October focus on early detection, lifestyle changes are seldom discussed other than dietary concerns and physical activity. Lifestyle modifications centered on diet and exercise have been demonstrated to affect overall disease-free survival in breast cancer. Since the early 2000s, the role of the human gut microbiota and its relation to breast cancer has become a major area of interest in the scientific and medical community. We live and survive owing to the symbiotic relationship with the microorganisms within us: the human microbiota. Scientific advances have identified a subset of the gut microbiota: the estrobolome, those bacteria that have the genetic capability to metabolize estrogen, which plays a key role in most breast cancers. Recent research provides evidence that the gut microbiome plays a substantial role in estrogen regulation. Gut microbiota diversity appears to be an essential component of overall health, including breast health. Future research attention should include a more extensive focus on the role of the human gut microbiota in breast cancer.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Statement

The author(s) have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Figure 1
Figure 1
Impact of lifestyle on breast cancer. Although the diagram separates diet and inactivity, they are intimately connected, leading to an increase in obesity, T2DM, and ultimately an increase in inflammation. IGF1 = insulin growth factor 1; SHGB = steroid hormone-binding globulin; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Dietary influence on gut microbiota/microbiome and estrogen metabolism. SHBG = steroid hormone-binding globulin.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Benefits of lifestyle recommendations for overall disease-free survival in breast cancer. CVD = cardiovascular disease; IAP = intestinal alkaline phosphatase; SCFA = short-chain fatty acids.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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