Metabolic syndrome is an independent risk factor for breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with breast cancer and the independent effect of metabolic syndrome on breast cancer risk.


METHODS
Eighty-one women aged 40-80 years with breast cancer and 81 controls of similar age were screened for metabolic syndrome prevalence and breast cancer risk factors, including age at diagnosis, age at menarche, reproductive status, live births, breastfeeding, family history of breast cancer, physical activity, cigarette smoking, body mass index, and metabolic syndrome parameters. Each variable was first assessed for baseline comparisons using the univariate model, and significant variables were then added to the multivariate conditional logistic regression model.


RESULTS
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 59.2% in breast cancer patients, and 37% in the control group (p < 0.005). A positive and independent association was observed between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer risk (odds ratio = 2.49; 95% confidence interval 1.17-5.30).


CONCLUSIONS
Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in breast cancer patients and is an independent risk factor for breast cancer.
Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
Lakymê Angelo Mangueira
LA
Porto
Karla Jamille Bezerra
KJ
Lora
Juliana Coutinho Miranda
JC
Soares
Laura Olinda Bregieiro Fernandes
LO
Costa
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008572:Menarche; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010298:Parity; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology