Chapter 6: Influence of gut-microbiota on breast cancer development and management

Despite all existing diagnostic and treatment options, breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women. Breast cancer is linked to estrogen metabolism and obesity, influenced by gut microbes. The gut microbiota constantly interacts with the host, causing local and distant impacts. Several bacterial genes can generate estrogen-metabolizing enzymes affecting estrogen levels in the blood. On the other hand, estrogen-like substances may promote the growth of certain bacterial species. These bacterial species produce cancer-fighting products such as butyrate, lithocholic acid, and cadaverine. The gut microbiota composition and metabolites could be exploited as breast cancer indicators. These correlations propose that the microbiota of the gut is a utile starting point for novel approaches to diagnose and treat the disease. This chapter examines the factors that change the typical composition of the gut-microbiota and our growing understanding of how the microbiota affects the onset of breast cancer. Additionally, the crucial features of the human microbiota are revealed in this chapter, which may aid in developing novel strategies for the detection, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer.