Risk of herpes zoster among breast cancer survivors in Japan: A nationwide claims data analysis
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Japanese women, with approximately 1 in 9 women expected to develop the disease during their lifetime. Herpes zoster (shingles) is also common, affecting approximately 1 in 3 individuals. Although studies have suggested that breast cancer survivors have a higher risk of herpes zoster, the timing of this increased risk and the impact of…
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a common condition affecting Japanese women, with the risk being higher among those who have survived breast cancer. A nationwide analysis in Japan found that breast cancer survivors had a 1.57 times greater risk of developing herpes zoster and a 1.70 times greater risk of postherpetic neuralgia, persistent nerve pain that can occur after a herpes zoster rash.
The highest risk of herpes zoster occurred within the first year after breast cancer diagnosis, and the elevated risk persisted throughout a 10-year follow-up period. Among different treatment modalities, anthracycline-based chemotherapy was linked to a higher risk of herpes zoster. The researchers emphasize the importance of herpes zoster prevention in breast cancer survivorship care, suggesting that vaccination strategies should be considered based on factors like age, treatment history, and immune status.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
