RESUMO
To analyze the association between obesity and breast cancer risk among premenopausal females in Alexandria, Egypt. Blood samples were collected from 30 newly diagnosed, histologically-confirmed breast cancer patients before surgery and 30 age-and menstrual status-matched healthy controls. Standardized questionnaires concerning age at presentation, age at menarche, parity, body mass index [BMI], electromagnetic radiation [EMR] exposure, lactation and oral contraceptive intake were completed by the same researcher. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were assayed simultaneously. Univariate analysis showed that EMR exposure, age at presentation>30 years, nulliparity, artificial lactation and increased BMI were significantly associated with breast cancer risk [p<0.05]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that EMR exposure [p=0.003] and age at presentation>30 years [p=0.02] both were significant independent risk factors. EMR exposure and female age>30 years are the most important risk factors in predicting breast cancer in Egyptian premenopausal females so we recommend them to do periodic breast self-examination specially during the fourth decade of life and to avoid overexposure to EMR