Objective: To assess the risk factors for breast cancer in women attending Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) hospital, Islamabad.
Method: A case control study was conducted at NORI from January to July 2005. A total 300 females, including 150 cases and their age matched healthy 150 controls were included. Cases had newly diagnosed breast cancer based on histopathological findings. Marital status, family history of breast cancer (first degree relatives), breast feeding history (12 months at least), smoking, parity, use of oral contraceptives (regular uptake for at least one year), and menopausal status were evaluated as risk factors for breast cancer. Demographical data and risk factor related information were collected using a short structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to note predictive effect of each factor on risk for breast cancer. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: No history of breast-feeding (p = < 0.001), less parity (p = 0.001), smoking (p = 0.001), postmenopausal status (p = 0.002), family history of breast cancer (p = 0.006), unmarried status (p = 0.008), and use of contraceptive pill (p = 0.03) were associated with breast cancer.
Conclusion: Lack of breast-feeding, less parity, and smoking are most significantly associated with breast cancer in patients attending NORI.