Factors Increasing the Risk of Breast Cancer in Libyan Women

Libyan breast cancer research is limited. Thus, it is crucial to look into the risk factors for breast cancer in Libyan women, as this could improve our current knowledge of this significant problem. Recent years have seen an increase in the disease's incidence among women both globally and in Libya, with Libyan women receiving diagnoses earlier. As a result, it is crucial to identify the factors that may be contributing to this increase. This study aims to investigate and analyze different factors linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in Libyan women. This case-control study involved 102 Libyan women, conducted at the National Institute for Cancer Therapy in Gharian and Tripoli University Hospital in Tripoli, Libya. Participants were divided into two groups: 51 diagnosed with breast cancer matched with 51 healthy controls, and both groups completed a face-to-face questionnaire. Inclusion criteria: Libyan females with breast cancer at age 18 >. Exclusion criteria: males and any nationality other than Libyan. The study investigated risk factors associated with breast cancer among Libyan women using SPSS (27). Clinical results showed that most diagnoses were at stage II, and that left-sided cancers were more common. Metastasis was present in one-third of the patients. Breastfeeding habits, parity, body mass index (BMI), sociodemographic factors (education, marital status, and socioeconomic status), and reproductive and menopausal characteristics (age at menarche, age at first pregnancy, and menopausal status) did not show a significant correlation with the risk of breast cancer. Conversely, factors were significantly associated with increased breast cancer risk. Age showed a strong relationship, with incidence rising in women aged 40 years and above. Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was common among patients and significantly associated with breast cancer occurrence. Metabolic disorders also played an important role, as diabetes (20.4% vs. 4.0% of controls) and hypertension (18.0% vs. 2.0% of controls) were significantly linked to higher risk. Hormonal factors were particularly notable, with both hormonal replacement therapy (37.3% vs. 2.0%) and oral contraceptive pill use (14.0% vs. 2.1%) associated with breast cancer. Additionally, women without a history of oophorectomy or hysterectomy were at higher risk, suggesting a protective effect of these procedures. Finally, family history was a significant predictor, appearing in 21.6% of cases compared to 3.9% of controls. This study showed that no significant link exists between reproductive, menopausal, sociodemographic, or lifestyle factors and breast cancer risk, but identified age (over 40), vitamin D insufficiency, diabetes, hypertension, hormonal therapy, oral contraceptive use, absence of oophorectomy or hysterectomy, and family history as strongly associated with breast cancer risk.