Relationship between Chinese medicine dietary patterns and the incidence of breast cancer in Chinese women in Hong Kong: A retrospective cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between Chinese medicine (CM) dietary patterns (hot, neutral, and cold) and the incidence of breast cancer among Chinese women in Hong Kong. Methods: Breast cancer cases (nâ =â 202) and healthy controls (nâ =â 202) were matched according to demographics. Chinese women residing in Hong Kong for the past 7â years were recruited by media advertisements (e.g., via newspapers, radio, and posters). The control participants were recruited by convenience sampling from health workshops held in clinics and communities of 15 districts of Hong Kong. After completing test-retest reliability, all participants were asked to complete diet pattern questionnaires about their food preferences and dietary patterns. The Student's unpaired t test, Chi square test, and logistic regression were conducted using SPSS software. Results: Three major CM dietary patterns were identified: hot, neutral, and cold. The participants with breast cancer exhibited a stronger preference for hot food than the control group (Chi square test, Pâ 3 times per week, Chi square test, Pâ