Early Alcohol Use Initiation, Obesity, Not Breastfeeding, and Residence in a Rural Area as Risk Factors for Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for breast cancer in the Polish population. In total, 201 Polish women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and 201 one-to-one age-matched healthy controls participated in this case-control study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive and menstrual history, medical history, lifestyle factors, and anthropometric measurements were collected by the interviewers. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained using multivariate unconditional logistic regression models controlling for potential confounders. Significant relationships were observed between BMI, alcohol use initiation, breastfeeding, education, and place of residence. Obese women had a higher risk of breast cancer than women with a BMI < 30 (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.16 to 3.04). Early alcohol use initiation (≤15 years) was associated with an almost two-fold higher risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.69). Breastfeeding for less than 3 months (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.52 to 3.5), receiving a basic and vocational education (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.49 to 4.19), and living in a rural area (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.9) increased the risk of breast cancer. Prevention activities for breast cancer are already needed in adolescents and young women. A much greater emphasis should also be placed on breast cancer prevention campaigns in rural areas in Poland.