Risk and Protective Factors for Female Cancer Breast in Al-Dakahleya, Egypt

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer globally, accounting for 2,296,840 new cases of breast cancer in 2022. In Egypt, breast cancer constitutes 33% of female cancer diagnoses, with over 22,000 new cases annually.
Objective: To identify possible risk and protective factors for breast cancer among women in Al Dakahleya Governorate, Egypt.
Subjects and methods: A case-control design was employed, involving 200 breast cancer cases and 200 controls recruited from Mansoura Cancer Institute. Data were collected through questionnaires addressing sociodemographic, medical, and lifestyle factors.
Results: The results indicated significant risk factors for breast cancer, including older age, unemployment, obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m²), and prolonged hormonal contraceptive use. Protective factors included maintaining a healthy BMI and a higher number of pregnancies.
Conclusion: These findings highlighted the importance of public health strategies focusing on obesity prevention, contraceptive education, and promoting a healthy lifestyle to mitigate breast cancer risk in this population.