Total DNA Content: An Analytical Marker for Secondary Prevention of Breast Cancer

Abstract

The most important component of the five levels of prevention, particularly regarding non- communicable diseases like cancer stands to be early Diagnosis and Treatment (EDT). Approximate management and policies of EDT are vital to reduce cancer mortality. This has been amply proved in cases of cervical cancer where Pap smear makes it possible. However lack of methodology for EDT, illiteracy and absence of proper health education/ awareness makes the situation much cloudy and sorrowful. Formulation of screening programs, implementation of control programs, knowledge regarding natural history of cancer service delivery, information system registry and program evaluation, thus remain as the different tasks and activities of the Preventive Oncology as a whole. “Down staging” of different cancer screening at the grass root level by health care workers or the patient herself has also been suggested by WHO. However, the next stage of down staging at the diagnostic arena has been the deficiency of a “marker” to brand a mass in breast as malignant or benign– where decision making for curative measures can become possible.

The present article highlights the importance of the total DNA content of breast tissue as a solution for the same.