Association of drugs, reproductive and lifestyle factors with carcinoma breast among women in a tertiary care center - a case–control study

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the world and a leading cause of cancer deaths. The incidence and mortality vary widely. Multiple factors are found to be associated with the development of breast cancer. Aims and Objectives: To study the role of drugs and other selected factors in the development of carcinoma breast. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was done at Government Medical College Thrissur. Selected 125 cases and 250 controls. Data were collected by interview using a semi-structured proforma. The role of drugs, Body Mass Index (BMI), lifestyle, and reproductive factors were studied. Results: The cases and controls were matching in their sociodemographic characteristics. The mean age of cases was 53 years (SD = 11.5) and that of controls was 51.74 years (SD = 11.5). Hysterectomy was found to be a risk factor of breast cancer, Odds Ratio 2.3 (1.05–5.05). Heavy work, with an Odds Ratio 0.89 (0.12–0.66), and milk consumption with an odds ratio 0.46 (0.27–0.78) were found to be protective factors. contraceptive pill, hormone replacement therapy, prolonged drug intake, BMI, age of menarche, parity, abortion, or infertility were not found to have significant association. Conclusion: The history of drug intake is not having a role in the development of breast cancer. Hysterectomy is a risk factor while heavy work and milk consumption are protective factors in breast cancer development.