Incidence of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors on adjuvant hormonal therapy

The increasing incidence of breast cancer in Indian women has been coupled with a significant rise in the population of breast cancer survivors, particularly among women with estrogen receptor-positive tumors. There is growing interest in and concern about the co-morbidities that this clinical population may face related to the adjuvant hormonal treatment received, as studies have shown that the use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in their treatment has raised concerns about agent-specific potential to decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and its possible impact on cardiovascular risk. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels along with the development of metabolic syndrome has also been associated with this group of women. Since there is insufficient data on the occurrence of these events in Indian women, this study attempts to provide a better understanding of the commonality of metabolic syndrome and its relationship with CRP levels in breast cancer survivors, which in turn will support the early diagnosis and management of these metabolic disturbances.