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Women
Special Issues
Breast Cancer: Causes and Prevention
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Breast Cancer: Causes and Prevention

A special issue of Women (ISSN 2673-4184).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2026 | Viewed by 4668

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ronald B. Brown

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Interests: public health; nutritional epidemiology; grounded theory; theoretical biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Breast cancer is a leading cancer among women. Yet, like most cancers, research funding for breast cancer is directed primarily toward diagnosis and treatment while research on causes and prevention of breast cancer receives much less support. This Special Issue, covering “Breast Cancer: Causes and Prevention”, addresses the need to emphasize a public health and epidemiological approach that will help empower women to reduce their risk of breast cancer. The scope of papers may include, but is not limited to, the mechanisms and cell signaling pathways of breast cancer initiation, promotion and progression, the biomarkers of breast cancer, the spontaneous regression and remission of breast cancer, the nutritional epidemiology and dietary risk factors of breast cancer, physical activity and other lifestyle factors in breast cancer prevention, and comorbid conditions associated with breast cancer. Papers on the adverse effects and misleading reports of breast cancer treatment effectiveness are also welcome.

Dr. Ronald B. Brown
Guest Editor

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Women is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1200 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

  • public health prevention
  • nutritional epidemiology
  • physical activity
  • lifestyle risk factors
  • mechanisms and cell signaling pathways
  • comorbid conditions
  • biomarkers of initiation, promotion, and progression
  • spontaneous regression and remission
  • misleading treatment effectiveness and adverse effects

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 1025 KB  
Article
Trauma-Related Distress, Attachment Patterns and Cumulative Stress in Women with Breast and Gynecological Cancers: An Exploratory Clinical Study
by Mădălina Daniela Meoded, Mariana Tănase, Mihai Covaci, Claudia Mehedințu, Aida Petca and Ciprian Cirimbei
Women 2026, 6(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/women6020032 - 6 May 2026
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that psychological trauma, chronic stress, and unresolved emotional conflict may influence cancer-related processes through neuroendocrine and immunological pathways. However, the clinical relevance of trauma-related psychological profiles in oncology remains insufficiently defined, particularly in women with breast and gynecological cancers. This [...] Read more.
Emerging evidence suggests that psychological trauma, chronic stress, and unresolved emotional conflict may influence cancer-related processes through neuroendocrine and immunological pathways. However, the clinical relevance of trauma-related psychological profiles in oncology remains insufficiently defined, particularly in women with breast and gynecological cancers. This exploratory observational study included 135 women with breast, cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers undergoing multimodal oncological treatment. Psychological assessments were performed using validated instruments, including the PTSD Checklist (PCL), Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scales (HAM-A, HAM-D), the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), and a Lazarus-based checklist of stressful life events to assess cumulative stress exposure. Descriptive and exploratory analyses were conducted to identify clinically relevant patterns. A high prevalence of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and trauma-related distress was observed. Insecure attachment patterns were frequent and associated with increased psychological burden. Many patients reported moderate-to-high cumulative stress exposure, suggesting broader vulnerability profiles characterized by emotional dysregulation. These findings support a biopsychosocial model in which trauma, attachment insecurity, and cumulative stress are associated with psychological vulnerability in oncology. Although causal relationships cannot be established, these factors may influence coping and adaptation to disease. Integrating trauma-informed psychological assessment into oncology care may enhance patient-centered management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: Causes and Prevention)
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14 pages, 1330 KB  
Article
Plasma Estrone Concentration Is Associated with Physical Activity Levels in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors
by Mayra Alejandra Mafla-España, Javier García Sánchez, Lucía Ortega-Pérez de Villar, Guillermo Casero-García, María Dolores Torregrosa and Omar Cauli
Women 2026, 6(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/women6020027 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 683
Abstract
The protective effect of physical activity on breast cancer recurrence may be mediated changes in by sex hormone levels. In this study, we examined the association between habitual physical activity and estrogen and androgen plasma levels in postmenopausal women with localised breast cancer. [...] Read more.
The protective effect of physical activity on breast cancer recurrence may be mediated changes in by sex hormone levels. In this study, we examined the association between habitual physical activity and estrogen and androgen plasma levels in postmenopausal women with localised breast cancer. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 47 postmenopausal women who were breast cancer survivors with estrogen receptor-positive tumours (enrolled at the Medical Oncology Department of University Hospital Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain). Habitual physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a weighted estimate of total physical activity per week (MET∙min∙wk−1) was calculated. Total plasma levels of estrone, 17β-estradiol, progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-sulphate) were measured. Bivariate analyses by the Spearman correlation test were done between physical activity and each hormone concentration. Multivariate analyses (linear regression) using concentration of each hormone as the dependent variable and physical activity, age, marital status, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index, tumour stage, previous radiotherapy, or previous chemotherapy as predictor variables. Estrone concentration was positively and significantly correlated with BMI (ρ = 0.332, p = 0.022), but no other correlations were found between BMI and the other hormone concentrations, nor were concentrations of any hormone associated with age or Charlson Comorbidity Index (p > 0.05 in all cases). Physical activity was significantly and inversely correlated with estrone concentration (ρ = −0.308; p = 0.035). Linear regression analysis confirmed a statistically significant association between estrone concentration and BMI and physical activity, after adjusting for all potential confounders (for BMI: standardised β coefficient = 0.407; non-standardised β coefficient = 1.054; t = 2.898; p = 0.006; 95% CI for non-standardised beta: 0.318- to 1.790; for physical activity: standardised β coefficient = −0.300; non-standardised β coefficient = −0.005; t = −2.135; p = 0.039; 95% CI for non-standardised beta: −0.010- to 0.000). The relationship between estrone concentration and physical activity may be further explored as a biomarker for evaluating the protective effect of physical activity against breast cancer recurrence in women receiving anti-estrogen therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: Causes and Prevention)
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15 pages, 326 KB  
Article
Redefining Self After Mastectomy: Exploring the Psychological and Emotional Adaptation of Women During the Post Mastectomy Period at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa
by Desmond Mnisi, G. Olivia Sumbane, T. Maria Mothiba and L. Winter Mokhwelepa
Women 2026, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/women6010005 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1487
Abstract
Mastectomy, while a life-saving intervention for breast cancer, often leads to profound psychological and emotional challenges for affected women. Feelings of loss altered body image, and anxiety about recurrence can significantly impact mental well-being. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences [...] Read more.
Mastectomy, while a life-saving intervention for breast cancer, often leads to profound psychological and emotional challenges for affected women. Feelings of loss altered body image, and anxiety about recurrence can significantly impact mental well-being. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of women after mastectomy at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. In this study, a qualitative phenomenological design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with women who had undergone mastectomy. Fifteen participants were purposively sampled, and thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and meanings in their narratives. The findings revealed that the participants initially described feelings of being ‘disabled’, incomplete, and anxious about cancer recurrence or their ability to perform maternal functions such as breastfeeding. However, over time, many developed resilience and acceptance, seeing surgery as a life-saving measure and an opportunity for renewal. The adjustment of women after mastectomy is a complicated emotional transition from crisis and loss to adjustment and empowerment. The results identify the need for holistic psychosocial support that combines counseling, peer networks, and education for their family members addressing their emotional healing, body image, and social reintegration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: Causes and Prevention)
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13 pages, 832 KB  
Article
IMU-Based Assessment of Arm Movement in Breast Cancer Survivors: An Exploratory Study
by Carlos Navarro-Martínez, Diego Hernán Villarejo-García, Rafael Carvajal-Espinosa, Germán Cánovas-Ambit, Boryi A. Becerra-Patiño and José Pino-Ortega
Women 2025, 5(4), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/women5040041 - 6 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1129
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), despite its high survival rate, can cause significant functional sequelae in the scapulohumeral joint after surgery. This study evaluated angular velocity during a lateral reach test, comparing the operated arm with the non-operated arm as a possible indicator of functional [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC), despite its high survival rate, can cause significant functional sequelae in the scapulohumeral joint after surgery. This study evaluated angular velocity during a lateral reach test, comparing the operated arm with the non-operated arm as a possible indicator of functional asymmetry. This study employed an observational, comparative, cross-sectional design. Twenty-two women voluntarily participated in the study. The anthropometric characteristics were as follows: mean age, 55.95 ± 6.34 years; height, 1.63 ± 0.06 m; body weight, 65.37 ± 11.10 kg; and BMI, 24.73 ± 3.60 kg/m2. The participants, who were survivors of breast cancer and had undergone surgery on only one arm, regularly performed physical activity in the Department of Exercise, Education, and Cancer at the University of Murcia, BC. A lateral opening test was performed, measuring the angular velocity in both arms during 15 repetitions using the WIMU PRO™ inertial device. Results showed no significant main effects for arm (p = 0.369) or surgery side (p = 0.587) but a significant interaction (F = 29.44, p = 0.001), with lower velocity in the operated arm both for right-side surgery (right: 100.4 ± 31.1 vs. left: 111.7 ± 32.0 °/s) and left-side surgery (left: 92.1 ± 22.3 vs. right: 100.2 ± 20.2 °/s). Effect sizes were small to moderate (Hedges’ g = 0.35–0.36). This difference may suggest the presence of postoperative functional asymmetries, which may inform future research on therapeutic exercise approaches, though direct clinical applications cannot yet be established. These preliminary findings highlight the feasibility of using inertial devices to assess postoperative functional asymmetry in breast cancer survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: Causes and Prevention)
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