Breast Cancer Risk Factors in Women of Golestan Province in Iran: A Case-Control Study

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (not considering skin cancer). Its prevalence increases about 2% annually and its modifiable risk factors have been determined in various studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of breast cancer in women of Golestan province in Iran. In this case-control study all breast cancer cases recorded in cancer registry system of Golestan province during years 2004 and 2006 (case group) and their age-matched healthy neighbors (control group) were included (134 cases and 133 controls). Data was collected by interviews based on prepared questionnaire. Data Analysis was done with Chi-square and independent t-test by SPSS 13 software. In cases who married before 19.29 years old, the risk of breast cancer was 0.76 folds, in menarche before 13.37 years old it was 1.3 folds, in women with menopausal age before 46.6 years old, it was 2.91-folds (p=0.021), in who become pregnant before 20.51 years old it was 0.87 folds, in cases who had breast feeding more than 64.35 months it was 0.73 folds, 1.33 folds in singles and in cases who educated under diploma it was 1.2 folds. In patients with a positive family history of breast cancer in grade one and two relatives, it was 0.53 and 0.67 folds, respectively. Results didn’t show a significant relationship between variables and risk of breast cancer (except for menopausal age). Some large cohort studies are suggested in this field.