BREAST CANCER RISK FACTORS IN EASTERN ALGERIA: A RETROSPECTIVE CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between risk factors and the presence of breast cancer in eastern Algeria. Materials and methods: The sample population included 122 women aged 18 years or older, including 62 case women and 60 control women. The individuals were divided into two groups. The case group consisted of women with breast cancer and the control group was composed of women who had no prior history of breast cancer. After obtaining written consent of all women to participate in this study, a survey was conducted with each woman. Results: In this study, significant risk factors were family history, overweight, obesity, and diet. Some food products seem to have a protective effect on breast cancer: bread, milk, and sandwiches. Other foods pose a risk for the development of breast cancer: red meat, eggs, butter, margarine, dry vegetables, coffee, pastry, chips, and soft drinks. We have seen some cases of hereditary cancer, but the majority of cases are likely to remain sporadic. Cases and controls did not differ with regard to the consumption of fish, offal, cheese, yogurt, fruit, and vegetables. Conclusion: Breast cancer in Algeria was associated with many risk factors but not with all the published risk factors in the world.