Clinical and epidemiological factors associated with breast cancer among patients at a Peruvian police hospital

Abstract Introduction Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women and represents a major public health priority in Peru, where a considerable proportion of cases are still detected at advanced stages. Identifying associated factors is essential to optimize prevention strategies and early detection efforts. Methods An observational analytical case–control study was conducted at the Hospital PNP Luis Nicasio Sáenz during 2024. A total of 182 patients were included, comprising 91 cases with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer and 91 controls without the disease. Clinical and epidemiological factors were evaluated using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results In the bivariate analysis, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with breast cancer, whereas obesity showed no statistically significant association. Among epidemiological factors, age ≥ 60 years, rural residence, and family history of breast cancer were significantly associated with the disease. In the multivariate analysis, arterial hypertension, age ≥ 60 years, rural residence, and family history of breast cancer remained independently associated with breast cancer, with family history showing the strongest association. Conclusions Arterial hypertension, age ≥ 60 years, rural residence, and family history of breast cancer were independently associated with breast cancer among women treated at Hospital PNP Luis Nicasio Sáenz. Family history showed the strongest association, highlighting the importance of risk-based prevention and early detection strategies in this population.