Family History and Breast Healthy Behaviors in Postmenopausal Women
Author Information
Author(s): Robert Gramling, Timothy L. Lash, Kenneth J. Rothman, Howard J. Cabral, Rebecca Silliman, Mary Roberts, Marcia L. Stefanick, Rosanne Harrigan, Monica L. Bertoia, Charles B. Eaton
Primary Institution: University of Rochester
Hypothesis
Does adherence to breast healthy behaviors modify breast cancer risk attributed to family history of later-onset breast cancer in postmenopausal women?
Conclusion
Participating in breast healthy behaviors was beneficial to postmenopausal women and the degree of this benefit was the same for women with and without a family history of later-onset breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 1997 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during a mean follow-up of 5.4 years.
- Women with a family history who engaged in all three healthy behaviors had a lower rate of breast cancer compared to those who did not.
- Approximately 12% of participants reported a family history of breast cancer.
Takeaway
Women can lower their breast cancer risk by being active, managing their weight, and drinking less alcohol, whether or not they have a family history of breast cancer.
Methodology
The study analyzed breast cancer outcomes in relation to lifestyle behaviors collected via questionnaires from 85,644 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of family history due to changes in awareness during follow-up.
Limitations
The analysis is based on a single time point assessment of behaviors and family history, which may not capture changes over time.
Participant Demographics
Participants were postmenopausal women aged 50-79, predominantly white, with varying educational backgrounds and income levels.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -0.00359, 0.00388
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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