Association between dietary carbohydrates intake, diabetes, obesity and breast cancer incidence among Sudanese women at the national cancer institute, Gezira State, Sudan (2021-2022)

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer and the main cause of death among women in Sudan. BC incidence rates is increasing in Sudan as estimate by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Wad Madani. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between high carbohydrate intake, diabetes obesity and risk of breast cancer. It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the NCI in Wad Madani, Gezira state in Sudan, during the period of 2021-2022, among 100 Sudanese women (ages: 20-75 years) who were confirmed to have BC. Data was collected by questionnaire consisted of questions about food intake and questions about BC risk factors. Physical measurements (height, weight and waist circumference) were taken. Laboratory tests (blood glucose) were done. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 22. The results showed that carbohydrate intake was positively associated with the risk of BC (p<0.05), and this association was higher in premenopausal women. Among carbohydrate components, the highest association were observed with sucrose and starch. BMI, waist circumference and diabetes mellitus were positively associated with the risk of BC. There was no association between age and BC (p>0.05). There was a very well correlation between consuming more than 30 grams per day of sugar (sucrose) and BC (r>0.50) while total sugar intake and carbohydrate intake had the lower correlation (0.433, 0.269), respectively (r<0.50). It was concluded that increased intake of foods rich in carbohydrates, especially sucrose and starch was directly associated with the risk of BC and its advanced stage in premenopausal Sudanese women. On the other hand, an increase in both waist circumference, body mass index and diabetes were positively associated with increased risk of BC.