Copper and Zinc Ratio as an Oxidative Stress Index in Women with Breast Cancer at National Hospital Abuja

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in Nigeria, and alterations in trace element homeostasis particularly the copper-to-zinc ratio have been proposed as useful oxidative stress indices in cancer biology. This study evaluates serum copper and zinc levels and calculates the copper-to-zinc ratio in women with histologically confirmed breast cancer at the National Hospital Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria. A case-control design was used, recruiting 80 breast cancer patients and 80 age-matched healthy women. Blood samples were collected before initiation of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Trace elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Tumour stage, histological grade, and receptor status including oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2 were documented from clinical records. Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde were also measured to corroborate the oxidative stress assessment. The study aims to determine whether the copper-to-zinc ratio is significantly elevated in breast cancer patients and whether it correlates with tumour aggressiveness indices. Pearson correlation and receiver operating characteristic analysis will assess the diagnostic potential of the ratio. Findings will contribute to the potential clinical utility of trace element profiles in breast cancer monitoring in Nigerian tertiary centres. Keywords: copper-to-zinc ratio, breast cancer, oxidative stress, trace elements, FCT Abuja.