Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2019)

Introduction: Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue, Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, nipple discharge, or a red, scaly patch on the skin. Cancer has become a major source of morbidity and mortality globally. In 2008, of the 12.7 million new cases and 7.6 million cancer-related deaths, 56% of these newly reported cases occurred in developing countries. Interleukin 6, a pleiotropic cytokine has both tumour-promoting and tumour inhibitory effects, It plays an important role in cancer pathogenesis Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of interleukin 6 in breast cancer patients and normal controls. This is to access if an increase in the level of IL-6 is associated with the incidence of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of ninety (90) subjects; sixty (60) breast cancer patients and thirty (30) normal controls. Serum interleukin 6 was analysed using sandwich ELISA obtained from Melsin Medical Corporation limited. CAT. NO: EKHU_0140. LOT #:M20180709. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The findings of this study shows a significant increase in IL-6 with breast cancer patients (16.080 ± 0.71) compared to normal controls (10.310 ± 1.08) (P<0.05). Conclusion and Recommendation: The result of this research has indicated a strong association between the level of IL-6 and breast cancer development but however, there is a need for a more robust further research study.