Determination of Contributing Environmental Factors to Breast Cancer in women: A Retrospective Study in Babylon Governorate

Abstract

background: Environmental factors are believed to explain a large proportion of breast cancer incidence. Known risk factors for breast cancer, which are related to women's reproductive life, and other factors, such as inheritance, chemicals and ionizing radiation is an established environmental risk factor for breast cancer. In order to better understand how environmental factors affect breast cancer in women the researcher study this subject. Objectives: 1.To determine the effect of environmental factors on breast cancer occurrence.2. To find out the relationship between breast cancer occurrence and the environmental factors.Methodology: A Retrospective Study, a purposive sample of (400) women; (200) women diagnosed with breast cancer were visited the Merjan Teaching Hospital Oncology Cancer Center in Babylon Governorate as a study group and (200) women free of breast cancer as a control group. An assessment tool was constructed for the purpose of the study , it was comprised of Demographic Data, Reproductive Data, and Information of environmental life factors consist of (11) items of 10 years previous breast cancer occurrence divided to two periods (previous 1-5 years) and (previous 6-10 years). Physical measurements (Height and weight) for measuring (BMI) of samples. Analysis of data was performed through the application of descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis approach.Results: The study demonstrates that the highest percentage (39.5%) of study sample was in age (50-54) years in comparison with the other age groups for both of study and control groups. There are a significant different at P<0.05 between the environmental factors and breast cancer. Recommendations: The study recommended about further study on large population and activation of media and Ministry of Health role for increasing the awareness of women and their families about the importance of reducing the risk factors which contributing on breast cancer occurrence such as chemical products and radiation hazards