Risk factor assessment for breast cancer in North Cyprus: a comprehensive case-control study of Turkish Cypriot women

Authors: RUQIYA PERVAIZ, ÖZGÜR TOSUN, HASAN BESIM, NEDİME SERAKINCI

Abstract: Background/aim: This case-control study aims to assess the strength of associations between reproductive, lifestyle, sociodemographic, and dietary factors as well as other potential breast cancer risks and breast cancer (BC) in a North Cyprus population. Materials and methods: The study includes 408 BC patients and 412 age-matched controls recruited from Near East Hospital and Dr. Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital in North Cyprus. Information regarding clinical and epidemiological characteristics was collected through a standardized interview. Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% con dence intervals (CIs) were calculated by logistic regression before and a er adjusting for the potential confounders. Results: In addition to various recognized BC risk factors, strong associations with BC were reported from women with fertility drugs used for >6 cycles (OR = 3.305, 95% CI 1.850?5.906, P < 0.001), depression (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.33?3.30, P < 0.001), exposure to radiation (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.02?2.98, P = 0.041), and excess consumption of oil (OR = 2.703, 95% CI 1.62?4.48, P < 0.001) and sugar (OR = 3.42, 95% CI 1.39?8.40, P = 0.007). Parental consanguinity (OR = 0.16, 96% CI 0.09?0.30, P < 0.001) and daily water intake of 1?2 L (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.19?0.66, P < 0.001) were strong protective factors. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the presence of classical as well as several additional BC risks. e ndings will be of great bene t in establishing adequate evidence-based awareness and preventative measures in the North Cyprus population.

Keywords: Breast cancer, risk factors, odds ratios, North Cyprus

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