| Purpose: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women
worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death among women. In Asian countries such as Iran, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing. The present study aimed to assess the risk
factors for breast cancer of women in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: A
hospital-based case-control study was undertaken to identify
breast cancer risk factors. The study consisted of 140 cases
confirmed via histopathological analysis and 280 group-matched
controls without any malignancy. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods via the SPSS software version 18. Results: In a multivariate analysis, educational
level (odds ratio [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11–
10.83), menopausal status (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.41–4.59), a
high-fat diet (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.51–5.04), abortion (OR, 2.13;
95% CI, 1.20–3.79), passive smoking (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.51–
5.04), oral contraceptive use (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.80–5.59),
stress (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.74–5.36), and migration (OR, 3.09;
95% CI, 1.39–6.90) were factors associated with a significantly
increased risk of breast cancer. Breastfeeding (OR, 0.39; 95%
CI, 0.16–0.97) and a diet containing sufficient fruit and vegetables (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.12–0.39) had protective roles against
breast cancer. Conclusion: The study revealed that the risk factors for breast cancer among women in the Tabriz area of Iran
are related to the lifestyle. Therefore, the provision of education
to change unhealthy lifestyle choices and periodic check-ups for
early breast cancer detection are recommended. |