The Association between Lifestyle Factors and the Risk of Developing Breast Cancer in Jordanian Women

Background and Aims: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer that affects Jordanian women. Several studies highlighted the independent effect of various diet and lifestyle factors on the risk of BC. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association between lifestyle factors and BC in a selected group of Jordanian woman. Methods: A case control study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2017. A total of 400 Jordanian women 20–65 years of age were recruited. 200 of recently diagnosed BC patients were compared to 200 apparently healthy controls. BC patients were matched with controls in age, income and marital status. A package consisted of three structured questionnaires: Personal Information and Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (PAR) questionnaires were administered to all participants in this study. Results: Increasing in BMI was associated significantly and positively with BC risk (OR 1.80 (95%CI: 1.01–3.27), P-trend = 0.037). A significant inverse association has been found between BC and physical activity (OR 0.32 (95%CI: 0.13–0.80), P-trend = 0.021). A significant positive association was detected between BC and smoking (OR 4.38 (95%CI: 2.08–9.22), P-trend = 0.001), a significant negative effect of lactation in the risk of BC was found (OR 3.71(95%CI: 2.20–6.26), P-trend = 0.0001). Conclusion: A significant increase in BC risk was detected with Increasing in BMI and smoking, on the other hand a significant negative effect of lactation and physical activity in the risk of BC was found.