BREAST CANCER;

FREQUENCY OF RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Objective: To assess the risk factors for breast cancer in patients attending oncology OPD of civil hospital Karachi, Pakistan. Introduction: Breast cancer is the single largest cause of death among women1,2. The probability of American woman developing breast cancer in their life is 7 in 11. Studies from subcontinent show that the incidence of breast cancer is increasing, with an estimated 80,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer in Pakistan and ranked first in women. Only 10% women are diagnosed, out of them, 75% women do not get treatment and die within 5 years6. Data from Pakistan about the risk factors or association is not only scanty but also does not comment on the use of fatty diet in breast cancer patients. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Oncology OPD of civil hospital Karachi (CHK) from October 2009 -April 2011. One Hundred and Fifty consecutive patients having histopathalogical diagnosis of breast cancer were assessed for different risk factors that included marital status, parity, age, menopausal status, family history of breast cancer, prolong use of oral contraceptives, breast feeding, , early menarche, trauma to the breast and fatty diet. Result: Mean age of patients was 48 years. Three fourth (73%) of these female were above the age of 40 years. Consumption of fatty diet was found in 62.67% while positive family history of breast cancer was present in 34% of the cases. Early menarche and being nulliparous were not as strong risk factors as in previous studies. Conclusions: Our study has highlighted the need of further exploration in this area that would not only help this population but also enhance our understanding of different risk factors. This will have important implications for the overall management of breast cancer.