Introduction:  Rates of mortality due to breast cancer among Schizophrenic patients are as high as 15% higher than the control population. This linkage between the two conditions is a serious concern for  both psychiatrists and oncologists. In this study, we attempt to explore the various reasons for enhanced morbidities in either condition and thereby educate ourselves regarding how to mitigate them.
Methods: The authors conducted a comprehensive scientific review of recent data available for both diseases and analyzed it to find any connections and aggravating factors.
Results: The lack of awareness and knowledge of schizophrenic patients was not the only factor contributing to the increased risk of breast cancer. The use of antipsychotic drugs, especially second -generation antipsychotics, plays a major role in the occurrence of breast cancer. Antipsychotic-mediated increased serum prolactin levels in schizophrenic patients often leads to an increase in breast cancer. Conclusive evidence of genetic defects that link the two conditions has been identified. Mendel ian randomization estimated that nearly 170 non-pleiotropic genes linked to schizophrenia can be responsible for the risk of breast cancer in female schizophrenic patients. Hormones also play an important role in this association, and hence females are more affected than males.
Conclusion: The present review throws light on the reasons behind the increasing occurrence of breast cancer and mortality in schizophrenic female patients suffering from the same. This study can also help in controlling the causes that can lead to ca ncer in schizophrenic patients and provide guidelines necessary for regulating the line of treatment in such a way that it can hel p in reducing the risk of breast cancer in schizophrenic patients.