Risk factors for breast cancer in Iran: a case-control study

Abstract

IntroductionGeographical variations in incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer suggest that the known risk factors for breast cancer may vary in different parts of the world and that environmental factors are of greater importance than genetic factors [1]. For instance, in Iran it has been shown that, even after adjusting for age, young women are at relatively higher risk for developing breast cancer than are their Western counterparts [2]. Thus, study of risk factors for breast cancer in Iranian women is important and might contribute to current knowledge on this important topic. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between reproductive and other risk factors for breast cancer in Iranian women. MethodA case-control study was conducted from April 1997 to April 1998 (one complete calendar year) in Tehran, Iran. The cases were incident, newly diagnosed breast cancer patients living in Tehran, and they were entered into the study if they had a confirmed pathological breast cancer diagnosis and were admitted to the Imam University Hospital (a large teaching and general hospital in the central district of Tehran) for breast surgery. The control women were recruited from female patients living in Tehran without any history of breast problems or neoplastic disease admitted to the same hospital for a wide spectrum of general surgical procedures. Women with hysterectomy and artificial menopause were excluded from the study. CI = confidence interval; OR = odds ratio. Available online http://breast-cancer-research.com/content/4/5/R10 Abstract Background: Iranian breast cancer patients are relatively younger than their Western counterparts. The objective of the present study was to investigate risk factors for breast cancer in Iranian women. Method: A case-control study was conducted from April 1997 to April 1998 in Tehran, Iran. Demographical data and risk factor related information were collected using a short structured questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from logistic regression analysis. Results: In all, 286 women with breast cancer and 249 control women were interviewed. In multivariate analysis, only marital status (never married: OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.70-10.57 [P = 0.002]; widowed/divorced: OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.05-2.68 [P = 0.03]) and family history (positive family history of breast cancer: OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.15-7.59 [P = 0.02]) were associated with significantly increased risk for breast cancer. Conclusion:The findings of the present study suggest that family history and marital status may have an impact on the incidence of breast cancer in Iranian women.

A Multicenter Matched Case Control Study of Breast Cancer Risk Factors among Women in Karachi, Pakistan

“…In this matched case control study, we confirmed the role of family history of breast cancer as risk factor for breast cancer among our women which is consistent with previous findings (Aghassi-Ippen et al, 2002;Ebrahimi et al, 2002;Norsa'adah et al, 2005;Hafize, 2011). However, younger age at diagnosis of the relative was not associated with increased risk of BC.…”

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer among Women in Eastern India: A Tertiary Hospital Based Case Control Study

“…The pooled random effects estimate, comparing the risk of breast cancer amongst ever users of OCPs versus never users was 1.17 (95%CI 1.05-1.31) (Weir, 2007). The similar finding was observed in Iranian case-control study (Mandana Ebrahimi et al, 2002).…”

“…Lifetime duration of breast feeding less than 1 year has got increased risk of breast cancer as found from various studies (Gajalakshmi, 1991;2009;Rao, 1994;Mandana Ebrahimi et al, 2002). The pooled random effects estimate, comparing the risk of breast cancer amongst ever users of OCPs versus never users was 1.17 (95%CI 1.05-1.31) (Weir, 2007).…”

“…Most of these studies were conducted in first -world countries (Zheng, 2001). Mandana Ebrahimi et al in their case-control study in Tehran during April 1997-April 1998 found out nulliparity, family history and unmarried status as risk factors of female BC (Mandana, 2002). Late age of menarche and early age of menopause, early age of 1st child birth, multiparity, history of ever breast feeding and increased duration of breast feeding were found to be significant protective factors for breast cancer in a multicentric case-control study of risk factors of breast cancer conducted in South India (Gajalakshmi, 2009).…”

Risk factors associated with carcinoma breast: a case control study

“…A study done by Ebrahimi et al, found that never married women were at a higher risk for breast cancer. 27 Although marital status by itself is not a determining factor for increased or reduced breast cancer risk, but the main protective effect is from early first full-term pregnancy.…”