Anthropometry and lipid profile in women with breast cancer: a case-control study

To assess body composition and lipid profile of women with and without breast cancer.

We conducted a case-control study matched by age, including 62 women, 31 being newly diagnosed with breast cancer and 31 with benign breast changes. Data were collected through direct interview, with recording of sociodemographic characteristics, body composition assessment by anthropometry, including skinfolds (DC) and circumference, bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and ultrasonography (USG), as well as lipid profile evaluation.

Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (normally distributed variables), "t" test, chi-square test for trend (Mann-Whitney U), chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Yates correction and "odds ratio".

When compared with controls, women with breast cancer (cases) had lower height (1.56 m ± 5.68 versus 1.59 m ± 6.92), p <0.03; higher percentage of body fat, assessed by Bioelectric Impedance (39.87% ± 8.26 versus 36.00% ± 6.85), p <0.049; and higher triceps skinfold thickness (27.55 mm ± 8.37 versus 22.81 ± 5.72 mm; p <0.01), respectively.

Women with breast cancer had lower height, higher body fat percentage and higher triceps skinfold thickness. There was no difference in body mass index and waist circumference. There was no association between lipid profile and the occurrence of breast cancer.