[Epidemiological characteristics of breast cancer development in pre and postmenopausal women]

To study the relation between breast cancer and different risk factors, personal, familial and demographic factors. An statistic and epidemiologic study was also carried on a whole population of women and then classified on pre and postmenopausal women.

A matched case-control study was performed based on age, urban area and hormonal activity. Total population was composed by 274 cases and same number of controls. Studied variables were obtained by a questionnaire asking for study level, reproductive and personal history, familial considerations and lifestyles. A multiples logistic regression model was made.

Over total population, late menarcheal age, late first pregnancy, and familial history of breast cancer were shown as independent risk factors, but a low study level, and oral contraception were shown as protective factors. This risk model was confirmed on postmenopausal women but no over premenopausal women, so in this group, main risk factors were familial breast cancer history and a medical history of benign breast disease. Moreover, the low study level was also a protective factor.

Familial history of breast cancer in mothers or sisters was the main risk factor for breast cancer, mainly in premenopausal women, and low study level showed as protective factor.