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Risk factors for breast cancer. Case-control study results
1Gynaecological Obstetric Institute, G.B. Revoltella, University of Padua, Italy.
European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Understanding breast cancer risk factors is crucial. Early menarche and nulliparity are associated with increased breast cancer risk, while late menarche may be protective. Further research is needed on pregnancy
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Breast cancer is the most common female neoplasm globally and in Italy, with increasing incidence and mortality.
- Identifying risk factors for breast pathology is essential for risk stratification and early detection.
- Italian statistics show a significant burden of breast cancer, with 83 cases per 100,000 women annually.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association of key risk factors—age, menarche, parity, and menopausal age—with breast cancer development.
- To analyze demographic and clinical characteristics of breast cancer patients in a retrospective cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 146 female breast cancer patients treated between 1970 and 1993.
- Exclusion criteria included prior surgery at other institutions and multiple gynecological cancers.
- Analysis of age at diagnosis, age at menarche, parity, and age at menopause.
Main Results:
- Average age at diagnosis was 53.07 years; 9.4% of cases occurred in women under 35.
- Early menarche (under 12 years) was observed in 41.1% of cases, suggesting a reduced risk with late menarche.
- 21.5% of patients were nulliparous; 43.9% had 1-2 pregnancies, with no clear protective effect identified.
Conclusions:
- Early menarche is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Late menarche appears to be a protective factor against breast cancer development.
- Further investigation is warranted to clarify the role of parity in breast cancer risk.