Serum Magnesium Levels in Women with Breast Cancer in Benin City, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the serum magnesium levels of patients with breast cancer and apparently healthy people without the disease. Study Design: This is a cross-sectional prospective study. Place and Duration of Study The study was carried out at the Department of Surgery, Central Hospital, Benin City and Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin city, Nigeria, between July, 2011 and October 2012. Methodology: A total of 60 female participants from Central Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria were recruited for this study. 30 of the women (50%) had breast cancer and 30 women (50%) without the disease served as control. Venous blood was obtained from participants and serum magnesium level was determined using standardized laboratory methods. Results: The results showed a statistically significant reduction in serum magnesium level of patients with breast cancer compared with those without the disease. Conclusion: We demonstrated from this present study that the participants with breast cancer have reduced serum magnesium level compared to those without the disease (control) and it is advisable to cautiously add magnesium as an adjuvant therapy in the management of breast cancer.