Risk Factors for Contralateral Breast Cancer in Young Women
Author Information
Author(s): Li C I, Malone K E, Porter P L, Daling J R
Primary Institution: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Hypothesis
What factors predispose young women diagnosed with a first breast cancer to develop contralateral breast cancer?
Conclusion
High body mass index and c-erbB-2 expression are important risk factors for developing contralateral breast cancer in young women.
Supporting Evidence
- Women diagnosed before age 45 had a 5.4-fold greater risk of contralateral breast cancer.
- Obesity at diagnosis was associated with increased risk of contralateral breast cancer.
- c-erbB-2 positive tumors were linked to a 1.7-fold increased risk of contralateral breast cancer.
Takeaway
If a young woman has breast cancer and is overweight, she might have a higher chance of getting cancer in the other breast later.
Methodology
A population-based case-control study followed 1285 women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45 to evaluate risk factors for contralateral breast cancer.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce bias in weight and BMI assessments.
Limitations
Data on body weight and BMI were based on self-reports, which may lead to underestimation.
Participant Demographics
Women diagnosed with a first primary breast cancer at age younger than 45 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.1–6.9 for age at diagnosis risk factors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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