Breast cancer risk factors: a case-control study among Egyptian women

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to test the importance of known or suspected breast cancer risk factors among Egyptian women. The sample population of One hundred and fifty cases of Egyptian breast cancer, women, aged 35-65 years who were randomly selected and matched with 150 comparison group according to age [+/_ 5 years] and to marital status. The comparison group had no conditions related to hormonal disturbances, infertility or cancer. The risk factors studied were family history of breast cancer, age at menarche, age at first marriage, age of first delivery, age at menopause, family history of cancer, history of fibrocystic breast disease, the use of contraceptive pills, history of spontaueous miscarriage, number of pregnancies, breast feeding, smoking, weight and height. Statistical analysis of data showed that family history of breast cancer, early age at menarche, late age at first delivery, late age at menopause, history of spontaneous miscarriages, heavier weight and shorter heights as well as fibrocystic breats disease are important risk factors in breast cancer. It was also shown that other factors studied could not be considered as associated with breast cancer in Egyptian women.