The Relationship Between Breast Cancer and Risk Factors: A Single-Center Study

To determine the relationship between breast cancer and known risk factors in patients who had mammography (MG) for breast cancer screening or ultrasonography and/or MG for diagnostic purposes.

In the period of January-December, 2011, a questionnaire composed of 17 questions was applied to 2862 female patients and MG and/or US examination was performed afterwards. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis.

The mean age was 51.05±8.98, age at menarche was 13.0±1.6 and age at menopause was 47±5.2. The first pregnancy was at 20±4.6. Out of 2862 cases, 242 had breast cancer diagnosis and 32 were newly diagnosed. There was no correlation between menarche age, age at menopause or first pregnancy and breast cancer. There was no relationship between breast cancer risk and hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptive use. In patients with the diagnosis of breast cancer (242 cases), 61 had (25%) a positive family history. There was a significant correlation between the presence of a positive family history and having breast cancer (p=0.003).

The presence of breast cancer in the family has the strongest relationship among all risk factors. It is important to have regular followup of these patients and to raise the awareness of patients.