Breast cancer and some epidemiological factors: a hospital based study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine risk factors associated with breast cancer in the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methodology: A case control study was conducted from July 2009 to June 2010, on 262 biopsy proven cases of breast cancer from National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital and 262 matched controls of acute diseases from Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Religion, residential status and age (±2 years) were matched. Statistical analysis was carried out using conditional logistic regression, odds ratios, chi-square and t- test with SPSS software (V-17).

Results: Multivariate analysis showed that higher education (OR=1.72), personal income (OR=5.71), history of induced abortion (OR= 20.62), history of breast feeding (OR= 7.91), OCP users (OR= 1.47), current smokers (OR=6.78), personal history of breast disease (OR=10.99), family history of breast cancer (OR=3.85) and family history of other cancer (OR=2.21) were risk factors for breast cancer. Furthermore, having menarche at an early age (OR=0.35), giving birth to an early age (OR= 0.35), early menopause (OR= 0.22), longer duration of breast feeding (OR=0.30), parity of 2 and more (OR=0.29) and regular physical activity (OR=0.58) were shown to be protective factors.

Conclusion: Physical inactivity, being menopause, positive family history of breast cancer and history of induced abortion were found important risk factors. Longer duration of breast feeding should be encouraged for its protective effect. Study revealed that the women who have one or more of the above risk factors should be given special attention for breast cancer prevention

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v22i1.15628

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 22, No. 1, April, 2013, Page 61-66