A Hospital-Based Matched Case Control Study Examined the Breast Cancer Risk Factors for Women Who Visit the Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Hawassa, Ethiopia

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that is distinguished by the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of breast cells. Globally, it remained the most frequently diagnosed neoplastic disease in women and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite the increasing incidence of breast cancer in Ethiopia, there has been a limited study that determines the risk factors for breast cancer. This study employed a hospital-based matched case-control design to analyze breast cancer risk factors for women seeking care at the Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Hawassa, Ethiopia. A hospital-based, unmatched case-control study design was employed from March 1 to April 30, 2022, among 131 cases and 257 control women attending Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Data were collected using a standardized, pre-tested questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used for the statistical analysis of the data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the socio-demographic, reproductive, and other characteristics of respondents. The bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess variables associated with breast cancer and were presented with a 95% confidence interval. The final result was displayed using text figures and tables. In this study, age [AOR=5.79, 95%CI (2.11, 12.75)], family history of cancer (AOR=6.05, 95% CI (1.92 19.03), not consuming fruits (AOR=3.34, 955; CI 1.32, 8.48), eating sea foods (fish) (AOR=.24, 95% CI 0.1, 0.60), using packed food or drink (AOR= 4.10 95% CI, 1.23, 13.67), hormonal contraceptive use (AOR= 3.86 95%, CI 1.62, 9.24), having history of breast injury (AOR= 3.29 95% CI 1.20 9.01), history of abortion (AOR=3.16, 95% CI 1.11 9.00), exposure of radiation (AOR= 2.64 95% CI, 1.14 6.15) were risk factors associated with breast cancer. Having a family history of cancer, not eating fruits, not eating sea foods (fish), using packed foods or drinks, using hormonal contraception, having a history of breast injury, a history of abortion, and previous radiation exposure were all risk factors for breast cancer. Health professionals should deliver health education on the importance of a fruit and fish diet and its association with lower breast cancer risk.