Gynecological characteristics related to breast cancer in pre and postmenopausal women.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was two fold: to identify gynecological characteristics that distinguish women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer from those at more advanced stages; to identify distinguishing characteristics between premenopausal and postmenopausal women diagnosed with the same stage.


METHODS
186 incident cases diagnosed with breast cancer were identified out of the 685 patients who were seen to in 2000-2001. The variables to be studied were obtained by means of a specific questionnaire which collected data concerning reproductive characteristics and contraceptive types.


RESULTS
Significant differences in the mean age were found, since the early-stage group was younger (57.01+/-12.82 vs. 65.06+/-15.11). Characteristic factors found in pre-menopausal women were: early menopause, they either had no children or a single child, no breastfeeding practice and a more extensive use of contraceptives. Postmenopausal women presented more advanced stages, more pregnancies and less abortions.


CONCLUSIONS
By taking the obtained results into consideration, it would be recommendable to bring forward the age at which women are to be included in early detection programmes, and to conduct a follow-up of those women who present such factors to favour an earlier diagnosis of the disease.
Pastor Climente
Ismael Pascual
IP
Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Valencia, Spain. pastor_ism@gva.es
Morales Suárez Varela
María Manuela
MM
Magraner Gil
José Felipe
JF
Llopis González
Agustín
A
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001942:Breast Feeding; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008572:Menarche; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010298:Parity; D017698:Postmenopause; D011247:Pregnancy; D017697:Premenopause; D017584:Reproductive History; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal