Risk factors of breast cancer among women receiving reproductive health services in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia: Unmatched case control study.

Background: Despite advancements in early detection, breast cancer yet remains serious public health problem, with 2.1 million cases each year. However, little was known about its determinants. This study, therefore, aims to assess the predictors of breast cancer among women receiving reproductive health services in Ayder comprehensive specialized Hospital, Tigray regional state, Ethiopia. Methods: Facility-based unmatched case control study was conducted from February 20th, 2020 to January 30th, 2021. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 741participants. Pretested & structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Face to face interview was used as a method of data collection. Bivariate and Multivariable data analysis was performed using STATA version 14.1. Result: In this study, 738 women were interviewed making a response rate of 99.6%. The mean age at menarche of cases and controls were 15.79 (SD = 1.86) and 16.01 (SD = 1.8) years respectively. Ever use of hormonal contraceptive method[AOR=3.27;95%CI:1.08-9.82], regular menstrual cycle [AOR=4.94;95%CI:2.23-10.92] , being Amenorrhic[AOR=15.5;95%CI:5.60-43.35] , ever use of Khat [AOR=5.5;95%CI:1.10-27.57], having diabetes mellitus [AOR=15;95%CI:2.99-76.74] , respondents’ household income[AOR=3.27;95%CI:1.08-9.82], and possession of radio or television[AOR=5.68;95%CI:2.65-12.20] showed positive statistical association with breast cancer. Whereas, consumption of alcohol was found to be protective against breast cancer [AOR=0.35; 95%CI: 0.15-0.82]. Conclusion In this study, most breast cancer risk factors are not significantly different from those observed in other populations. Ever use of hormonal contraceptive methods, having regular menstrual cycle, being Amenorrhic, ever use of Khat, having diabetes mellitus , inequalities in household income, and possession of radio or television were implicated in mammary carcinogenesis. Thus, endeavors tailored towards assuming healthy lifestyle and efficient management of chronic metabolic disease should be strengthened. Finally, the findings for alcohol consumption, ever use of khat and hormonal contraceptive use still remain inconsistent and hence, further extensive studies are warranted.