Multiple Molecular Targets of Antrodia camphorata: A Suitable Candidate for Breast Cancer Chemoprevention

Abstract

Data from cancer registries reported that cancer incidence is increasing every year and cancer claimed the second leading causes of death worldwide, surpassed only by cardiovascular disease. National Cancer Research Institute classified that the breast cancer ranks second as a cause of cancer death in women, followed by lung cancer. Globally, more than 1.1 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year at the same time nearly 410, 000 women are queued for die due to the breast cancer (Cancer factors and Figures, 2010, American Cancer Society). The incidence of breast cancer varies greatly around the world. Lowest breast cancer incidence was observed in less developed countries, whereas highest in the more developed countries. In United States alone, annually more than 240, 000 women are diagnosed breast cancer and nearly 180, 000 women are diagnosed with the most deadly invasive breast cancer. It is also notable that about 1 in 8 women in the United States (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer of her life time. In 2010, an estimated 207, 090 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 54, 000 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. In addition, approximately 2000 men are expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2010. The survival rate for women diagnosed with localized breast cancer (cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes or other location in outside the breast) is 98%. If the invasive cancer that has spread to nearby or distant lymph nodes or organs, the five years survival is 84% or 23%, respectively. However, the surprising result is the five year relative survival for female breast cancer patients has improved from 63% in the early 1960’s to 90% today. Women is primary risk factor for developing breast cancer, because, women’s naturally have more breast cells than men. The main reason for develop more breast cells in women due to the constant exposure of growth-promoting effects of the female hormones especially, estrogen and progesterone. Aside from being female, age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. Potentially modifiable risk factors include weight gain after age 18. About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancer are found in women younger than 45, while 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancer are common in women age 55 or older. Many studies have shown that being over weight adversely affects survival for postmenopausal women with breast