The influence of nutritional risk factors in the development of breast cancer in outpatients from the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Aims: To compare the possible risk factors in women with and without breast cancer diagnosis, with emphasis on the nutritional aspects. Methods: Case control study conducted at Hospital Bruno Born, from Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, including 20 women diagnosed with breast cancer that had not been subjected to any kind of treatment, and 20 who did not have any condition which meant significant changes in diet, all aged between 40 and 60 years. A 24-hour meals survey and a questionnaire with possible risk factors were applied. Results: After multivariate analysis, the weight (p=0.033), body mass index (odds ratio=1.79, 95% CI 1.03-3.11), and intake of fat (odds ratio=1.42, 95% CI 1.00-2.02) were higher in the cases, while number of children (odds ratio=0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.78) was lower. Conclusions: The results of the study show that an increased body mass index and the percentage of consumed fat are risk factors for developing breast cancer, while the higher number of children presented a protective factor for the chance of developing the disease.