Risk factor assessment for breast cancer in North Cyprus: A comprehensive case-control study of Turkish Cypriot women

Abstract

Background/aim: This case-control study aims to assess the strength of associations between reproductive, lifestyle, sociodemographic, and dietary factors as well as other potential breast cancer risks and breast cancer (BC) in a North Cyprus population. Materials and methods: The study includes 408 BC patients and 412 age-matched controls recruited from Near East Hospital and Dr. Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital in North Cyprus. Information regarding clinical and epidemiological characteristics was collected through a standardized interview. Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by logistic regression before and after adjusting for the potential confounders. Results: In addition to various recognized BC risk factors, strong associations with BC were reported from women with fertility drugs used for >6 cycles (OR = 3.305, 95% CI 1.850–5.906, P < 0.001), depression (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.33–3.30, P < 0.001), exposure to radiation (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.02–2.98, P = 0.041), and excess consumption of oil (OR = 2.703, 95% CI 1.62–4.48, P < 0.001) and sugar (OR = 3.42, 95% CI 1.39–8.40, P = 0.007). Parental consanguinity (OR = 0.16, 96% CI 0.09–0.30, P < 0.001) and daily water intake of 1–2 L (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.19–0.66, P < 0.001) were strong protective factors. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the presence of classical as well as several additional BC risks. The findings will be of great benefit in establishing adequate evidence-based awareness and preventative measures in the North Cyprus population.