Cyclical mastalgia as a marker of breast cancer susceptibility: results of a case-control study among French women
1992

Cyclical Mastalgia and Breast Cancer Risk

Sample size: 210 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): G. Plu-Bureau, J.C. Thalabard, R. Sitruk-Ware, B. Asselain, P. Mauvais-Jarvis

Primary Institution: Institut Curie, Paris, France

Hypothesis

Does cyclical mastalgia serve as a marker for breast cancer susceptibility?

Conclusion

Cyclical mastalgia is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

Supporting Evidence

  • The adjusted Relative Risk of breast cancer was significantly increased for a total duration of oral contraceptive use longer than 72 months.
  • A previous history of cyclical mastalgia was found to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
  • The study included 210 newly diagnosed breast cancer cases and 210 matched controls.

Takeaway

Women who have cyclical breast pain may be more likely to develop breast cancer.

Methodology

A matched case-control study comparing 210 women with breast cancer to 210 controls matched by age, education, and other factors.

Potential Biases

Potential recall bias as women diagnosed with breast cancer may report symptoms more frequently.

Limitations

The study may be subject to recall bias and selection bias.

Participant Demographics

Non-menopausal French women under 45 years old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.31-3.43

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication