Aripiprazole use and lowering the risk of breast cancer in patient with schizophrenia in a national cohort study

Abstract

Introduction Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer among women globally, boasting a lifetime prevalence rate of approximately 12% [1]. Established risk factors for breast cancer include obesity [2], diabetes [3], and lower number parity, which may increase the risk of breast cancer, luminal subtype [4,5]. Some studies also suggest that parity is not associated with tumor size, histological grade, or the proportion of breast cancer subtypes [6]. Notably, women with schizophrenia often present with an elevated prevalence of these risk factors [4]. However, epidemiologic data regarding breast cancer prevalence are somewhat conflicting. Some studies have found a heightened incidence of breast cancer in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia [7,8]. Compounding this concern, studies indicate that women with schizophrenia are less likely to undergo routine breast cancer screening, potentially leading to an underestimation of breast cancer prevalence in this population.