Abstract
Objective: To explore epidemiology, clinical profiles and contribution of reproductive and non-reproductive risk factors in breast cancer development. Methods: The case-control study was conducted from October 2017 to March 2018 at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised breast cancer patients and age-matched controls recruited from the Bahawalpur Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, and the Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Sociodemographic data, family history of cancer, reproductive health and lifestyle factors were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 21 and Stata/IC 14.1. Results: Of the 326 women, 163(50%) each were cases and controls. The mean age for both the groups was identical at 46.04 +/- 10.62 years. Positive family history and hypertension were significantly linked to increased breast cancer risk (p<0.05), while intense physical activity, increased anthropometric measurements and breastfeeding per child in months were inversely associated with the risk (p<0.05). Conclusion: Established risk factors for breast cancer were reaffirmed.