Risk Factors Associated with Breast Cancer among Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Unmatched Case–Control Study

Abstract

Background

Breast cancer is a common public health problem and the main cause of cancer-related death worldwide. There is a paucity of evidence on the risk factors of breast cancer in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to identify the risk factors of breast cancer among women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted an institutional-based unmatched case–control study with a sample of 348 women (116 cases and 232 controls). Participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered using EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariable analysis was carried out using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age (+SD) of the participants was 42.7 (±11.3) and 40.7 (±14.6) for the cases and controls, respectively. Early onset of menarche (AOR= 4.10; 95% CI: 1.84, 9.15), rural women (AOR= 3.64; 95% CI:1.38, 9.57), utilization of packed foods or drinks (AOR= 2.80; 95% CI:1.52, 5.15), and smoke-dried meat (AOR= 2.41; 95% CI:1.36, 4.27), family history of cancer (AOR= 2.11; 95% CI:1.04, 4.26), overweight and/or obesity (AOR= 2.38; 95% CI:1.31, 4.31), and women with one or less children (AOR= 1.86; 95% CI:1.01, 3.41) were associated factors with breast cancer risk.

Conclusion

In this study, early onset of menarche, rural women, utilization of packed foods or drinks and smoke-dried meat, family history of cancer, overweight and/or obesity, and women with one or fewer children were factors that increased breast cancer risk. Therefore, focusing on modifiable risk factors and increasing awareness of the community such as a healthy diet, promotion of breast self-examination, and creation of programs to increase women’s knowledge is important to reduce the increasing burden of breast cancer.

Keywords:

• breast cancer
• risk factors
• women
• Ethiopia

Data Sharing Statement

All the data of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

This study was conducted in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee of the College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University (Ref. No. 047/20/SNM). Following approval, a written official letter of cooperation was given to the administrative health bureau and facilities. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants. Furthermore, confidentiality was assured throughout the process.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Addis Ababa University for its financial and unreserved technical support. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the hospital heads, the study participants, the data collectors, and the supervisor for collaborations.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation; took part in drafting, revising, or critically for important intellectual content; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. The funder has no role in the study selection, data collection, analysis, conclusion, and interpretation.