[Variables associated with breast cancer in clients of primary healthcare units]

An epidemiological survey in ten family health units in the municipality of Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, in 2003, investigated the distribution pattern of breast cancer risk factors. 698 women 25 to 88 years of age were interviewed (112 rural and 586 urban). As for factors associated with breast cancer, 36.1% were 50 years or older, 3.7% had a first-degree family history, and 0.4% had a prior diagnosis of breast cancer. As for other factors, prevalence was higher in women with a history of abortion (38.5%), breastfeeding of less than one year (37.4%), prolonged use of oral contraceptives (41.1%), low physical activity (58.7%), and obesity (30%). Although the latter factors are still under investigation and the measures found in studies show weak associations, they are relevant to public health, not only for breast cancer control but also for other diseases, since their prevalence is high in the population.