Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Southern France
Author Information
Author(s): C. Segalal, M. Gerber, S. Richardson
Primary Institution: Groupe d'Epidemiologie Metabolique, CRLC, Montpellier, France
Hypothesis
What are the established risk factors for breast cancer and how do they vary by age at diagnosis?
Conclusion
The study found that reproductive factors early in life are significant risk factors for younger women, while older women are influenced by factors occurring later in life.
Supporting Evidence
- Reproductive factors early in life were significant for younger women.
- Older women showed risk factors related to menopause and obesity.
- Family history of breast cancer increased risk, especially in older women.
Takeaway
This study looked at what causes breast cancer in women and found that younger women are affected by different things than older women.
Methodology
A hospital-based case-control study was conducted over 4 years with 450 breast cancer cases and 576 controls, focusing on interviews about reproductive and socio-demographic factors.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias in dietary questionnaires and selection bias from hospital controls.
Limitations
Selection bias may exist due to the use of hospital controls and the specific pathologies of the control group.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 26 to 66 years, with cases being breast cancer patients and controls being patients with unrelated conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.08-1.78
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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