EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER IN PAKISTANI WOMEN

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortility in females of pakistan. We conducted this study to evaluate risk factors for developing breast cancer in Pakistani women.
Methods: An observational/ cross sectional study was conducted at Dr. Ruth Pfau K. M Civil Hospital Karachi, Oncology Ward, from May 2017 to February 2018. A total of 80 patients of biopsy positive cases of breast cancer in Pakistani females were included who were admitted for chemotherapy. By taking the histories, their risk factors were evaluated, weight, height recorded and BMI calculated.
Results: In this study 80 females were included to evaluate the risk factors for cancer of breast. Age was 40-59 years in 46.3% and 32.5% were of 24-39 year. Out of total, 98.8% were married, 1.3% was unmarried. Family history of breast cancer was 17.5%, early menarche 7.5%, late menopause 11.8%. Nulliparity was 10% and multiparity was 90%. Age at first full-term pregnancy above 35 years was 1.3%. Breast-feeding was in 77.5% and oral contraceptive pills use 18.8%. HRT was absent 100%. Dietary intake of high fat 40%, lack of exercise 95%, raised BMI 78.8% and use of hair dye in 58.8%. Synthetic dye use was reported in 4% and Henna was used in 96%. Frequency of hair dye use, ranged from occasional (4-5 times/year) 4.2%, to twice a month 4.2% and monthly 91.6%. Duration of hair dye use reported was for 2 years (4%), 5 years (7%), 7 years (11%), 10 years (14%), 15 years (20%) and 20 years (28%).
Conclusion: The risk factors for cancer of breast have a different implication on Pakistani women than their western counterparts. Genetic and hormonal factors play a smaller role while life style factors play a major role including a recently associated risk factor of the use of hair dye.