Factors associated with breast cancer in Puerto Rican women

Abstract

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer afflicting Puerto Rican women and accounts for more cancer-related deaths in this population than any other cancer. Methods Demographic, anthropometric, family history, and lifestyle data, as well as DNA repair capacity (DRC), were compared in 465 BC cases and 661 controls. Crude and multiple logistic regression-derived adjusted odds ratios were used as indicators of the associations between BC and the variables under study. Results A low DRC level, aging (> 61 years), family history of BC, and low education level had statistically significant associations with increased BC risk. Endometriosis, full-term pregnancy at an earlier age, higher parity, hysterectomy before age 50, multivitamin and calcium intake, and longer duration of breastfeeding significantly decreased BC risk. Conclusions This study discusses the major risk factors for BC in Puerto Rico (PR). Because many of these findings represent modifiable risk factors, they can translate into public health initiatives to lower BC risk. In addition, the possibility of using DRC as a simple screening tool for BC risk is explored.

Association of endometriosis and breast cancer: mini review of the literature

“…An increased risk was found in two studies, which were based on the hospital records of patients with endometriosis [9,15]. Other studies failed to prove an overall increased risk of BC among women with the disease [16][17][18][19]. In two studies, authors observed that the risk of BC was depended on age, with an excess in older women [12,20].…”

Laparoscopically Confirmed Endometriosis and Breast Cancer in the Nurses' Health Study II

“…Additionally, many of the treatments for endometriosis, including oral contraceptives, analgesic use, and oophorectomy, may alter breast cancer risk (7, 10, 11). The literature are mixed regarding the relationship between endometriosis and breast cancer (2):Ten studies suggested modest positive associations between endometriosis and the risk of breast cancer with effect estimates ranging from 1.08 to 3.20 (2, 12–21), four studies showed no clear association (22–25), and five studies reported an inverse relationship (26–30). However, the studies conducted to date are limited by minimal control for confounding and differences in definitions of endometriosis diagnoses.…”

Endometriosis and mammographic density measurements in the Nurses’ Health Study II

“…Recent research has indicated that women with endometriosis may be at increased risk for several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, including ovarian and possibly breast (8). Epidemiologic evidence for a relationship between endometriosis and breast cancer risk has been mixed (8-11) with eleven studies suggesting modest positive associations between endometriosis and the risk of breast cancer (8, 12-21, 77), four studies showing no clear association (22-25), and five studies reporting an inverse relationship (26-30). …”