Study of Known Risk Factors in Breast Cancer Patients in the Regional Population

Abstract

BACKGROUND Breast cancer was the most common cancer in India in 2018. It also caused the most cancer related deaths in India in 2018. In order to decrease the mortality from breast cancer, it is essential to identify the population at risk, and diagnose breast cancer at an early stage. However, breast cancer risk factors have been studied mostly in European and American countries whose traditions, practices, habits and lifestyles are enormously different. Even within a country like India there is vast diversity with respect to various cultures, traditions and practices. Hence the risk factors for all these diverse groups may not be the same. We wanted to study the known risk factors in breast cancer patients in the regional population. METHODS This is a cross sectional study of 100 women with a histopathological diagnosis of breast cancer who presented to Government Medical College, Amritsar. RESULTS Breast cancer presented at an earlier age 52.02±9.42 and at a later stage compared to other developed countries. 40% of the patients had no risk factors for breast cancer. The most common risk factor was BMI ≥ 25 in 40% cases. Life style related risk factors-alcohol and smoking were present in 4% cases. Risk factors related to estrogen exposure were early menarche (1%), nulliparity (1%), lack of breast feeding (0%), OCP intake (6%), late menopause (4%), HRT (0%). Family history of breast cancer was present in 1%. None of the cases had significant radiation exposure prior to diagnosis.