<p class="first" id="d8097994e83">The human microbiome is a mysterious treasure of
the body playing endless important
roles in the well-being of the host metabolism, digestion, and immunity. On the other
hand, it actively participates in the development of a variety of pathological conditions
including cancer. With the Human Microbiome Project initiative, metagenomics, and
next-generation sequencing technologies in place, the last decade has witnessed immense
explorations and investigations on the enigmatic association of breast cancer with
the human microbiome. However, the connection between the human microbiome and breast
cancer remains to be explored in greater detail. In fact, there are several emerging
questions such as whether the host microbiota contributes to disease initiation, or
is it a consequence of the disease is an irrevocably important question that demands
a valid answer. Since the microbiome is an extremely complex community, gaps still
remain on how this vital microbial organ plays a role in orchestrating breast cancer
development. Nevertheless, undeniable evidence from studies has pinpointed the presence
of specific microbial elements of the breast and gut to play a role in governing breast
cancer. It is still unclear if an alteration in microbiome/dysbiosis leads to breast
cancer or is it vice versa. Though specific microbial signatures have been detected
to be associated with various breast cancer subtypes, the structure and composition
of a core "healthy" microbiome is yet to be established. Probiotics seem to be a promising
antidote for targeted prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Interestingly, these
microbial communities can serve as potential biomarkers for prognosis, diagnosis,
and treatment of breast cancer, thereby leading to the rise of a completely new era
of personalized medicine. This review is a humble attempt to summarize the research
findings on the human microbiome and its relation to breast cancer.
</p>