Reproductive Risk Factors and Their Association with Breast Cancer in Women of Central India

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide and represents a major public health challenge in India. Reproductive factors influence cumulative estrogen exposure and may significantly affect breast cancer risk. Understanding these associations is important for identifying high-risk women and developing preventive strategies.
Aim: To evaluate reproductive risk factors and their association with breast cancer among women attending a tertiary care center in Central India.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar, over 18 months. A total of 170 women were enrolled, including 85 histopathologically confirmed breast cancer cases and 85 age-matched controls without breast malignancy. Data regarding age at menarche, age at first childbirth, parity, breastfeeding duration, menopausal status, age at menopause, and family history were collected and analyzed.
Results: Early menarche (<12 years), late age at first childbirth (>30 years), nulliparity, shorter duration of breastfeeding (<12 months), and late menopause (>50 years) were significantly associated with breast cancer (p<0.05). Women with a family history of breast cancer had a significantly higher risk of disease (OR=3.2, p=0.002). Multivariate analysis identified late age at first childbirth and short breastfeeding duration as independent predictors of breast cancer.
Conclusion: Several reproductive factors are significantly associated with breast cancer risk among women in Central India. Promotion of breastfeeding and identification of women with adverse reproductive profiles may facilitate early screening and risk reduction strategies.