risk factors for breast cancer among jordanian women: a case-control study

Background: the interaction between inherited mutated genes and environmental factors is believed to play a crucial role in cancer development. the main aim was to identify lifestyle-related risk factors for breast cancer among jordanian women. methods: a hospital-based multicenter case-control study was conducted in jordan in 2016. overall, 405 cases and 418 controls, in 3 large hospitals where cancer patients are treated, participated. the prevalence of individual and groups of cancer-related risk factors was estimated descriptively using percentages and odd ratios with their correlated 95% confidence interval (ci). the predictors of the occurrence of breast cancer were determined using logistic regression to estimate unadjusted association and adjusted association. results: women in the case group (mean=49.2 yr, sd 10.2) were older than those in the control group (mean=45.9, sd 10.9). physical activity (sufficiently active) (or=2.76; 95% ci=1.96-3.87) and fruit and vegetable intake (good or optimal) (or=1.71 95% ci=1.25-2.35) were found to be associated with reduced breast cancer risk. however, calcium intake (>3 times a week) (or=0.51; 95% ci=0.34-0.77) was associated with increased risk of breast cancer. conclusion: lifestyle risk factors were identified, and certain modifications to lifestyle are needed. women’s awareness of these factors should be raised through appropriate channels, as a priority of the health authorities. increasing the amount of high-quality research in this area remains one of the best ways to fight breast cancer, reducing its incidence and associated morbidities.