Association of Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer: A Case- Control Study

Abstract

Objectives: To find the association of breastfeeding and the risk of breast cancer in our population.

Study Design: Case-control study.

Place and Duration of Study: Oncology Ward-4 at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi Pakistan, from Jun 2018 to Jun 2019.

Methodology: All patients with diagnosed Breast Cancer visiting the outpatient department were enrolled in this study. Controls were randomly selected from the community. Demographic characteristics, reproductive history, breastfeeding pattern, and hormonal status of cancer were collected from all participants.

Results: Among patients who had a positive history of breastfeeding were three times more likely to develop breast cancer than those with no history of breastfeeding [Odds Ratio 3.315 (95% Confidence Interval: 2.094-5.249)]. 69.7% of participants in our study breastfed for more than 2 years. There was also a weak inverse association between lactation amenorrhea and breast cancer risk. Women who experienced lactation amenorrhea had only half the risk of women who did not experience lactation amenorrhea [Odds Ratio 0.685 (95% of Confidence Interval: 0.397-1.182)].

Conclusion: There was a negative relationship between breast cancer and breastfeeding. Further research should explore the
genetic and cultural differences and the risk of breast cancer.