DIETARY PATTERNS AND RISK OF BREAST CANCER AMONG WOMEN: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown the robust link between breast cancer and dietary pattern. This study aims to examine the association of breast cancer with dietary patterns among Pakistani women. Method: This case-control study was carried out in multiple tertiary care facilities. Newly diagnosed primary breast cancer patients were recruited as cases (n=408); age matched controls (n=408) were randomly selected from the general population. Data on required parameters were systematically collected using subjective and objective tools. Factor and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) techniques were used to extract women’s dietary patterns. Results: Four dietary patterns were identified based on eigenvalue >1; (i) veg-ovo-fish, (ii) meat-fat-sweet, (iii) mix (milk and its products, and gourds vegetables), and (iv) lentils-spices. Results of the multiple regressions were displayed as adjusted odds ratio (Adj. OR) and their respective confidence intervals (95% CI). After adjusted for potential confounders, veg-ovo-fish dietary pattern was found to be robustly associated with a lower risk of breast cancer among women (Adj. OR: 0.68, 95% CI: (0.46?0.99, p<0.01). Conclusion: Attachment to the diets majorly composed of fresh vegetables, and high quality protein sources may contribute in lowering the risk of breast cancer among women.

Pak J Physiol 2021;17(4):35–8