What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to identify and analyze various risk factors contributing to breast cancer among Indian women.

April 5, 2026Open Access

Comprehensive Meta-analysis of Risk Factors for Breast Cancer among Indian Women

Key Points

This research aims to identify and analyze various risk factors contributing to breast cancer among Indian women.
Conducted a systematic search for case-control studies from January 2010 to April 2025.
Extracted data from 19 published studies to analyze breast cancer risk factors.
Used pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals to determine risk levels and assessed heterogeneity with I² statistics.
Evaluated publication bias through funnel plots and Egger’s test, while appraising study quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.
Unmarried status and late age at marriage significantly increased breast cancer risk (OR=1.96 and OR=2.66, respectively).
A family history of breast cancer doubled the risk (OR=2.35) and prior benign breast disease had a substantial association (OR=4.28).
Central obesity significantly elevated risk (OR=2.74), while factors like non-vegetarian diet and tobacco use also showed strong associations (OR=1.62 and OR=1.67, respectively).
Reproductive factors like early menarche and late menopause were significantly related to higher breast cancer risk (OR=1.95 and OR=1.92, respectively).

Abstract

A BSTRACT Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among Indian women due to change in life style, reproductive patterns and rapid urbanization. Methods: A systematic search was conducted for case control studies published between January 2010 and April 2025. Data were extracted from 19 studies. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) ,heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics, while publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Study quality was appraised using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Sociodemographic risks included unmarried status (OR=1.96; 95% CI: 1.09–3.54) and late age at marriage > 21 years (OR= 2.66; 95% CI: 1.90–3.73). Family history of breast cancer doubled the risk (OR=2.35; 95% CI: 1.73–3.18), and past benign breast disease showed a strong association (OR=4.28; 95% CI: 2.50–7.35). Central obesity (WHR > 0.85) significantly increased risk (OR=2.74; 95% CI: 1.85–4.07), although BMI > 25 kg/m² alone was not significant. Lifestyle factors such as non-vegetarian diet (OR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.19–2.21), tobacco use (OR=1.67; 95% CI: 1.24–2.24), and high-fat diet (OR=4.20; 95% CI: 2.76–6.42) demonstrated strong associations. Reproductive risk factors—including early menarche (OR =1.95), late menopause (OR=1.92), OCP use (OR=2.01), low parity (OR=1.52), previous abortions (OR=2.48), and breastfeeding <6 months (OR= 4.12)—were all significantly linked to higher risk. Several subgroups exhibited notable heterogeneity and occasional publication bias. Conclusion: Modifiable risks present critical opportunities for prevention.Women with non-modifiable factors warrant targeted screening and risk stratification.

Read Full Paperexternally

KI fragen

Bookmark

View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Seshadri et al. (Thu,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69d1fc70a79560c99a0a2013 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4103/jmh.jmh_376_25

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

KI fragen

Bookmark

View Full Paper