Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention最新文献

{"title":"Clinicopathological Correlation of BRCA1 Status in High‑Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma via IHC and NGS.","authors":"Fathurrahman Muiz, Rina Masadah, Berti J Nelwan, Upik A Miskad, Ni Ketut Sungowati, Cahyono Kaelan, Andi Alfian Zainuddin, Syahrul Rauf, Nugraha Utama Pelupessy, Amalia Yamin, Amalia Mulia Utami","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.9.3213","DOIUrl":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.9.3213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer and is frequently associated with BRCA1 dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological correlation of BRCA1 expression and mutation status assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) with the Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective observational study was conducted on thirty-six formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded HGSOC samples. BRCA1 expression was evaluated by IHC using a 10% nuclear staining cutoff. BRCA1 mutation profiling was performed using NGS with a whole-exome sequencing (WES) approach. Clinicopathological variables were analyzed using Fisher's exact test.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Abnormal BRCA1 expression was observed in 11.1% of cases, while BRCA1 mutations were detected in 27.8%. Most mutations were somatic (70%) and predominantly loss-of-function variants (90%). A significant association was found between abnormal BRCA1 expression and younger age (p = 0.023), whereas no association was observed with other clinicopathological parameters.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>BRCA1 expression loss in HGSOC is associated with younger patient age. The discordance between IHC and mutation status highlights the complementary role of protein expression and molecular testing. A combined IHC-NGS approach may improve the identification of BRCA1 deficiency and support therapeutic decision-making, particularly in the context of targeted therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 9","pages":"3213-3220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of a PEN-3 Model-Based Motivational Training Programme on Breast Cancer Screening Behaviours Among Female School Teachers.","authors":"Bekhal Saber Ahmed, Salih Ahmed Abdulla","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.9.3385","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.9.3385","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally, with limited organized screening programs in low- and middle-income countries such as Iraq. Culturally appropriate educational interventions are needed to improve screening behaviors.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a PEN-3 model-based motivational training program on breast cancer screening behaviors among female school teachers in Erbil city, Iraq.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cluster quasi-experimental controlled study was conducted among 136 female teachers from 18 public girls' high schools. Schools were allocated at the cluster level to either an intervention group (n = 68) or a control group (n = 68). The intervention group received four structured motivational training sessions based on the PEN-3 model, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected at baseline and two months post-intervention using a researcher-developed questionnaire based on the PEN-3 model, for which content validity and reliability were assessed in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>At two months post-intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in median scores of perception, enablers, and nurturers compared with the control group (all p < 0.001), with large effect sizes. The proportion of participants performing breast self-examination increased from 8.8% at baseline to 100% post-intervention in the intervention group, compared to 0% in the control group (p < 0.001). Similarly, clinical breast examination (69.1% vs. 0%) and mammography uptake (39.7% vs. 0%) were significantly higher in the intervention group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The PEN-3 model-based motivational training programme appears effective in improving breast cancer screening behaviors among female school teachers in the short term. Culturally tailored educational interventions may play an important role in promoting early detection practices in similar settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 9","pages":"3385-3392"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of GATA3 and HER-2 Immunohistochemical Expression as Prognostic Markers in Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder.","authors":"Mona Saeed Mohammed, Nehal Selim Abouhashim, Mariem Ahmed Elfeky","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.9.3273","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.9.3273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder remains a significant clinical challenge due to its high rates of recurrence and progression. Reliable biomarkers to predict tumor behaviour are still needed. GATA3 and HER2 have gained attention in this context, but their combined prognostic value has not been fully established. This study aims to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of GATA3 and HER2 in bladder UC and to examine their association with key pathological parameters and patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>One hundred archival UC specimens (2018-2022) were reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining for GATA3 and HER2 was performed and scored using a semi-quantitative H-score. Clinicopathological data and 3-year follow-up information were analysed to assess correlations with recurrence, progression, and survival.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>GATA3 expression was detected in 80% of tumors, while HER2 was positive in 25%. Both markers were significantly associated with low-grade histology and non-muscle-invasive disease. Tumors co-expressing GATA3 and HER2 showed the most favorable outcomes, including lower recurrence and improved 3-year disease-free survival. In multivariate analysis, GATA3 retained independent prognostic significance (HR 0.45, p=0.006). HER2 demonstrated a favorable trend that did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for grade and stage (HR 0.60, p=0.12), suggesting its prognostic signal is partially mediated by tumor differentiation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In multivariate analysis, GATA3 retained independent prognostic significance (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25-0.80, p=0.006), while HER2 did not (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.35-1.03, p=0.12). However, combined GATA3/HER2 positivity identified a luminal subgroup with significantly better outcomes, supporting the utility of this marker panel for prognostic stratification in early-stage bladder UC.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 9","pages":"3273-3279"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of PIK3CA, AKT1, and mTOR Genes Polymorphisms in a Sample of Iranian Women with Breast Cancer Compared with Healthy Women.","authors":"Reza Mahdizadeh, Alireza Nakhaee, Mohsen Taheri, Seyed Mehdi Hashemi, Gholamreza Bahari","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.9.3245","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.9.3245","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women globally, with Iranian women showing an earlier onset compared to those in Western countries. Genetic variations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway have been implicated in cancer susceptibility, but limited studies exist on the association of these polymorphisms with BC risk in the Iranian population. This study aimed to investigate the associations of specific polymorphisms in the AKT1, PIK3CA, and mTOR genes with BC susceptibility in an Iranian population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case-control study was conducted with 222 confirmed BC patients and 230 cancer-free controls. Genotyping of AKT1 rs1130214 and rs1130233, PIK3CA rs6443624, and mTOR rs1883965 polymorphisms was performed using PCR-RFLP methods. Statistical analysis was carried out using logistic regression to evaluate the associations between genotypes and BC risk.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The AKT1 rs1130214 polymorphism was associated with a significantly reduced BC risk (codominant model: OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.30-0.65, p<0.001; allelic model: OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.38-0.72, p<0.001). Conversely, AKT1 rs1130233, PIK3CA rs6443624, and mTOR rs1883965 polymorphisms were linked to an increased BC risk in various inheritance models. For instance, the mTOR rs1883965 G>A variant showed a significantly higher risk (dominant model: OR=2.75, 95% CI=1.84-4.12, p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study indicates that polymorphisms in AKT1, PIK3CA, and mTOR genes are associated with altered BC risk among Iranian women. These findings propose that genetic variants in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway could serve as potential biomarkers for BC susceptibility. Further research with larger cohorts and diverse populations is necessary to confirm these associations.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 9","pages":"3245-3251"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retraction of: Long-term Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients after Hepatectomy.","authors":"","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.7.2743","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.7.2743","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 7","pages":"2743"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148655074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Evaluation of Urinary VOCs as Non-Invasive Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer.","authors":"Chatiwat Piyarom, Settawut Chalermwat, Sekdusit Aekgawong, Dusit Kongnawakun, Watcharapong Anakkamatee, Anawin Pechbooranin","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.3045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.3045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men, and current diagnostic tools, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and biopsy remain limited by low specificity and invasiveness. Urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are increasingly recognized as promising non-invasive biomarkers reflecting tumor-associated metabolic changes. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of urinary VOCs using a semiconductor-based gas-sensor platform.</p><p><strong>Materials: </strong>Urine samples from patients with prostate cancer and non-cancer controls were analyzed using an array of five metal oxide semiconductor sensors (S1-S5), each tuned to specific VOC groups. Measurements were performed under six thermal cycles with sequential heater voltages (2000-5000 mV). Sensor signals were converted into characteristic parameters following a validated extraction protocol. Logistic regression was used to determine discriminatory performance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ten candidate VOC parameters were initially identified with significant intergroup separation. In the multivariate model, the resistance gap at 2500 mV targeting trimethylamine and methyl mercaptan remained independently associated with prostate cancer. When combined with PSA in the logistic regression model, this VOC-derived signal yielded an AUC of 0.88, with a 77% sensitivity and 88% specificity for distinguishing cancer from controls.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Urinary VOCs demonstrate strong potential as non-invasive biomarkers for prostate cancer detection. The diagnostic performance of the combined VOC-PSA model (AUC 0.88) exceeded that of PSA alone, underscoring the feasibility of gas-sensor platforms in urologic cancer diagnostics and supporting validation in larger, prospective cohorts.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 8","pages":"3045-3053"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148842059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential Diagnosis of Ovarian Tumor Using FDG PET/CT, based on Convolutional Neural Networks.","authors":"Ji Sun Park, Sun Seong Lee","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.2847","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.2847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the utility of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors using FDG PET/CT imaging.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 101 patients with pelvic masses who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT before surgery between January 2020 and December 2023 were included. Patients were classified into benign and malignant tumor groups based on histopathological diagnosis. FDG PET/CT images were analyzed using two CNN models: a ResNet-18 model and a simple CNN architecture. The models were evaluated using accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, with Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) applied to visualize important regions within the images.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The ResNet-18 model achieved an accuracy of 0.882, an AUC of 0.938, sensitivity of 0.829, and specificity of 0.913. The simpler CNN model achieved an accuracy of 0.876, an AUC of 0.957, sensitivity of 0.761, and specificity of 0.942. Grad-CAM heatmaps identified regions of the PET/CT images that the models found most relevant for classification.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study demonstrates the potential of deep learning-based FDG PET/CT analysis for differentiating benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The CNN model showed high diagnostic accuracy, emphasizing the value of CNN-based models in PET-based tumor classification.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 8","pages":"2847-2852"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148842096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characteristics of Previously Undetected or Newly Emerging Cholangiocarcinoma Detected by Ultrasound Surveillance in an Endemic Area.","authors":"Nutsurang Promrach, Nannapat Nuangchamnong, Saowalak Chonyuen, Jitsupa Seetasarn, Pantajaree Hiranrat, Pooriput Waongenngarm, Surachate Siripongsakun","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.3037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.3037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive biliary malignancy with poor prognosis, largely due to delayed diagnosis. In endemic regions, abdominal ultrasonography is a rapid, inexpensive, and widely available surveillance tool that may support earlier detection. However, some lesions are missed at initial screening and detected only on follow-up. This study aimed to characterize the sonographic features and anatomical distribution of previously undetected or newly identified CCAs detected through an ultrasound-based surveillance program.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with CCA through an abdominal ultrasound surveillance program in Nan Province, Thailand, between 2011 and 2017. Ultrasound findings and lesion locations were analyzed. All patients underwent confirmatory computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging at Chulabhorn Hospital, with pathological confirmation of CCA. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-nine patients with 41 lesions were identified after a negative ultrasound examination 6 months earlier. Sonographic patterns included isolated hepatic masses, hepatic masses with bile duct dilatation, focal segmental bile duct dilatation, diffuse bile duct dilatation, and intraductal nodules. The most common presentations were isolated liver masses, liver masses with bile duct dilatation, and focal peripheral bile duct dilatation. Lesions were predominantly located in the peripheral intrahepatic bile ducts, especially second-order branches in hepatic segments VI and VII.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Previously undetected or newly identified CCAs during ultrasound surveillance most commonly appear as small hepatic nodules or focal bile duct abnormalities arising from peripheral and second-order intrahepatic bile ducts, particularly in posterior right hepatic segments VI-VII. These patterns may reflect both liver fluke-associated cholangiocarcinogenesis and technical limitations of ultrasonography in hepatic blind areas. Careful evaluation of these high-risk regions and awareness of subtle signs, including small hyperechoic nodules and focal ductal dilatation, may improve early detection and optimize surveillance in endemic populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 8","pages":"3037-3044"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148842110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dysregulated Interleukin Expression in Iraqi Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications.","authors":"Ali Mohsen Essa, Shaimaa Mohsen Esaa, Wisam Hindawi Hoidy, Mohammed Hamza Al-Saadi","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.2879","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.2879","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic inflammation associated with viral hepatitis and other environmental factors contributes to the development of liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma, which represents an important health issue in Iraq. The aim of this study was to determine the expression levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interleukin-17, and interleukin-23 in hepatocellular carcinoma patients and evaluate the clinical applicability of these genetic markers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was designed as a case-control study including 242 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 288 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We used qPCR and ELISA assays to determine the studied markers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Each of the pro-inflammatory interleukins described showed significant dysregulation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Relative to the controls, the gene expression of IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23 showed increases of 8.74-fold, 6.92-fold, and 7.38-fold**, respectively** (p < 0.001). There was a 69% decrease in the expression of IL-10 (p < 0.001). A similar trend was found in the serum concentrations compared with the expression of the studied genes. There were significant positive correlations between the inflammatory interleukins and the size of the tumour, the concentration of alpha-fetoprotein, and the stage of the disease. The integrated interleukin model demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.943.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There were significant dysregulation of the inflammatory interleukins in Iraqi patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with substantial correlations to the severity of the disease. These findings demonstrate the potential use of inflammatory interleukins as diagnostic and prognostic markers and highlight the need for further research to validate therapeutic targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 8","pages":"2879-2890"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148842111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strategies for Strengthening the Role of Community Health Workers in Breast Cancer Prevention: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Muhamad Zulfatul A'la, Puja S R Cahyani, Ika Adelia Susanti, Farida Nur Qomariyah, Kushariyadi Kushariyadi, Rondhianto Rondhianto, Achara Wariloon","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.3073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.8.3073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breast cancer continues to be a major cause of illness and mortality for women. Delayed detection remains a significant barrier to better health outcomes in many settings. This study explored the critical role of community health workers (CHW) in breast cancer prevention and identified practical strategies to enhance their effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This descriptive qualitative study, using an interpretivist paradigm, was conducted in the Kaliwates subdistrict, Jember, Indonesia, from May 2024 to January 2025. Purposive sampling was used, including 12 CHWs with ≥1 year of involvement in the cancer program and 5 Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) involved in community health worker programs. In-depth interviews, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes within 2-3 sessions, were performed. Interviews were concluded once data saturation was reached. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the six steps of Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti software. To ensure trustworthiness, member checking and triangulation were employed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis of data from all 17 participants generated three themes. Theme one positioned CHWs as catalysts for early breast cancer prevention through building community confidence in breast self-examination and guiding individuals to professional care. Theme two focused on capacity development, emphasizing skill and confidence building alongside trust-building communication strategies. Theme three highlighted health system support and collaboration, identifying the need for adequate resources and formal recognition of collaborative efforts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CHWs have a pivotal role in early breast cancer prevention. Strengthening their capacity through targeted training and trust-based communication, supported by adequate resources and collaborative recognition within the health system, is essential for optimizing their impact. Future research should focus on designing targeted interventions grounded in empowerment models to enhance CHWs' early detection skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 8","pages":"3073-3079"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148842221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}