Fruit and vegetable intakes are associated with lower risk of breast fibroadenomas in Chinese women.

Fibroadenomas are common benign breast conditions among women and account for approximately 50% of breast biopsies performed. Dietary factors are known to influence benign breast conditions in the aggregate, but little is known of their association specifically with fibroadenoma. Our objective in this study was to evaluate the association between dietary and other factors and fibroadenoma risk. A case-control study, nested in a randomized trial of breast self-examination (BSE) in Chinese textile workers in Shanghai, China, was conducted between 1989 and 2000. The study sample included 327 affected women and 1070 controls. Women were administered a FFQ and a questionnaire that elicited reproductive and gynecological history and other information. Odds ratios, as estimates of relative risks, were calculated using multivariate conditional logistic regression. Significant decreasing trends in risk of fibroadenoma were observed with intake of fruits and vegetables and with number of live births, and a reduced risk was also associated with natural menopause, oral contraceptive use, and moderate exercise (walking and gardening). Increased risk of fibroadenoma was associated with heavy physical activity in one's 20s, breast cancer in a first-degree relative, and a history of prior benign breast lumps; and significant increasing trends in risk were observed with numbers of BSE per year and years of education. In conclusion, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and the use of oral contraceptives may reduce risk of fibroadenoma.

Summary health statistics for the U.S. population: National Health Interview Survey, 2003.

OBJECTIVES: This report presents both age-adjusted and unadjusted health statistics from the 2003 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States, classified by age, sex, race and Hispanic or Latino origin, family income, poverty status, education, place of residence, region of residence, and where appropriate, health insurance coverage. The topics covered are health status and limitations in activities, special education or early intervention services, injuries and poisonings, health care access and utilization, and health insurance coverage. SOURCE OF DATA: The NHIS is a household, multistage probability sample survey conducted annually by interviewers of the U.S. Census Bureau for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. In 2003, household interviews were completed for 92,148 persons living in 35,921 households, reflecting a household response rate of 89.2%. SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS: Nearly 7 in 10 persons were in excellent or very good health in 2003. About 34 million persons (12%) were limited in their usual activities due to one or more chronic health conditions, and about 4 million persons (2%) required the help of another person with activities of daily living. About 6% of children received special education or early intervention services. Among persons under age 65 years, about 41 million (17%) did not have any health insurance coverage. The most common reason for lacking health insurance was cost, followed by a change in employment.