Investigation Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Women: A Case–Control Study in Arak, Iran

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignant in women globally. In Iran, breast cancer incidence rate is continuously increasing. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for breast cancer in Iranian women. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted between September 2016 and July 2019 in Arak, Iran. The sample size was 400 breast cancer patients and 400 healthy women. Demographical records and risk factor related data were collected. Logistic regression analysis used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Data showed that among various factors, urban life (OR = 1.361, 95% CI 1.025–1.808, P = 0.033), height (OR = 3.347, 95% CI 2.0443–5.480, P = 0.000), BMI (OR = 0.397, 95% CI 0.273–0.577, P = 0.000), education level (OR = 7.048, 95% CI 3.985–12.467, P = 0.000), awareness level (OR = 0.507, 95% CI 0.349–0.736, P = 0.000), job status (OR = 0.321, 95% CI 0.122–0.846, P = 0.022), economic status (OR = 4.333, 95% CI 1.424–13.184, P = 0.010), early menarche (OR = 2.815, 95% CI 1.745–4.541, P = 0.000), Stillbirth status (OR = 1.935, 95% CI 1.087–3.446, P = 0.025), family history (OR = 10.281, 95% CI 3.628–29.134, P = 0.000), behavioral habits (OR = 0.554, 95% CI 0.386–0.796, P = 0.001), and second-hand smoking (OR = 1.472, 95% CI 1.108–1.955, P = 0.008) significantly were associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. Conclusion: The data suggest that lifestyle may have more impact on the incidence of breast cancer in Iranian women, suggesting change unhealthy lifestyle and screening for preventing breast cancer.