Identification of environmental risk factors which women with breast cancer have been exposed to in Istanbul

Abstract

Background:Breast cancer is the most common malign tumor in women worldwide. Breast cancer is a significant public health problem both because of its frequency and its fatality. The best way to fight with cancer is prevention by controlling the risk factors. There are known or suspected many risk factors which cause breast cancer. Aim: In this study, it was aimed to define the potential environmental risk factors which are involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in women. Method: This case-control study was conducted between November 01st, 2012 and January 31th, 2013. The study population was consisted of women of 30 years of age and above who presented to the university hospitals in Istanbul. A total of 200 women, who accepted to participate in the study, were included. 100 of these women had a diagnosis of breast cancer and 100 were included as the control group. A questionnaire was applied in the study by an interview. The questionnaire form was consisted of questions related to history of parity, familial history, alcohol consumption, nutritional habits, body weight, socioeconomic status, life style, environmental factors etc. Conclusion:A decrease in the risk of breast cancer can be achieved by some changes in life style. Women should be informed and their awareness should be raised about the environmental risk factors which are involved in breast cancer to decrease the mortality due to this cancer.