ObjectiveTo understand the function of trace element and amino acids detection in early diagnosis of breast cancer, and explore the correlation between plasma amino acid and trace element changes. MethodsFifty-five patients with breast cancer and 50 normal controls were included in our study from May 2012 to June 2013. Trace elements were detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the level of amino acids was detected by Hitachi L-8900 amino acids analyzer. Then, we analyzed the correlation between the two indexes. ResultsCompared with the normal controls, breast cancer patients had a higher level of Cu and Fe (P<0.05), and a lower level of Zn (P<0.05). Seven kinds of amino acids had significant changes (P<0.05), including three kinds of increased amino acids, and four reduced. Amino acids and trace element correlation analysis showed that Mg was negatively correlated with Leu, Tyr, Lys, and His; and Ca was negatively correlated with Lys and His. ConclusionThere are many kinds of changes of plasma amino acids and trace elements in breast cancer patients. Serum trace element and amino acids detection in patients with breast cancer are helpful in the severity judgment and regimen design.