Role of Some Risk Factors in the Etiology of Breast Cancer in the Sudan

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to correlate breast cancer by common breast cancer risk factors in the Sudan. Methodology: Using a purposeful questionnaire 150 female breast cancer patients and 100 apparently health controls were asked detailed information on about risk factors. Results: Out of the 150 women with breast cancer, 38 (25.3%), 22(14.7%), 26(17.3%), 20(13.3%), 21(14%), 11(7.3%), 72(48%), and 86(57.3%) were identified as having a previous history of oral contraceptives usage, a family history of breast cancer, a past history of benign breast disease, a previous history of breast cancer, a previous breast biopsy, claimed other cancers in their families, confessed a pesticides exposure, and over weigh in most of their lives respectively. Out of the 150 women, 44(29.3%) were found to have a previous physical activity. Moreover, 44.8% and 66.9% have attended the menarge at the age of 13 and 14 respectively. Of these factors, statistical significant risks were found with, past history of benign breast disease (P < 0.04), previous breast biopsies (P <0.07), pesticides and plasticizers exposure (P < 0.01 and 0.04), period of being over weight (P <0.001), practice physical activities (P <0.0001), unmarried (P <0.002), decreased number of children (P <0.002). According to the ethnic group, Gaalyaeen tribes represented 61(40.7%) of the study subjects. Most of the patients were from Khartoum state, constituting 37.3%. Conclusion: There was variable exposure to many risk factors for breast cancer in the Sudan. The study suggests further separate measurement of risk factors for breast cancer, as well as, factors that might reduce those risk factors. Cohort mean of evaluation is highly recommended.