Serum Albumin Levels in Breast Cancer: Correlation with Overall Survival

Introduction: Albumin in an important biomarker that indicates malnutrition as well as inflammation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the albumin levels in breast cancer patients and its association with overall survival among breast cancer patients of Malwa region of Punjab. Material and methods: The study was planned in Malwa region of Punjab. Sampling was done from Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital and Max Hospital. The estimation of albumin levels was done at Central University of Punjab. 250 patients with breast cancer and 250 age and sex matched controls were involved in the study. Albumin levels were estimated using fully automated bio analyzer Erba 200. Follow-up interviews were conducted at an interval of 3, 6, 12 and 15 months to determine the outcome among breast cancer patients. Results: Low levels of albumin was found among the diseased in comparison with controls (p<0.000). Higher albumin levels associated significantly with overall survival in breast cancer patients [χ2: 11.95, p<0.000; odds ratio: 7.636 (95% CI, 2.047- 28.49)]. Conclusion: Elevated levels of albumin (>3.5 g/dl) are associated significantly with increased overall survival among breast cancer patients. Albumin estimation may be a simple and inexpensive tool for the risk assessment and outcome of the disease in Malwa region of Punjab where the incidence of breast cancer is reported to be very high.