Breast Cancer Risk Factors in White Women
Author Information
Author(s): Christina A. Clarke, David M. Purdie, Sally L. Glaser
Primary Institution: Northern California Cancer Center and Stanford University Medical Center
Hypothesis
What is the population attributable risk of breast cancer associated with modifiable risk factors in white women?
Conclusion
Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption and increasing physical activity could significantly lower breast cancer incidence.
Supporting Evidence
- 1,432 breast cancer cases may be attributable to EPRT use.
- 2,604 cases may be attributable to alcohol consumption.
- 1,953 cases may be attributable to physical inactivity.
- 1,432 cases may be attributable to never breastfeeding.
Takeaway
If women stop using hormone therapy, drink less alcohol, exercise more, and breastfeed longer, fewer women will get breast cancer.
Methodology
Population attributable risk percentages were calculated using survey and cancer registry data for 41 subpopulations of white, non-Hispanic California women aged 40–79 years.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include response and misclassification bias in self-reported data.
Limitations
The study is limited to white women and does not account for the effects of risk factor interrelationships or changes in population prevalence over time.
Participant Demographics
White, non-Hispanic women aged 40–79 years in California.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.00–1.59
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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