Association between hysterectomy for benign indications and the risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta- analysis

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Objectives To determine the association between hysterectomy performed for benign indications and the risk of developing BC. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from database inception up to December 11, 2024. Eligible studies were observational design. Relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model, I 2 was used to assess the heterogeneity between studies. Results This meta-analysis included 12 studies, consisting of 4 case-control studies and 8 cohort studies. The pooled analysis of case-control studies indicated that hysterectomy reduced the risk of BC (RR = 0.839, 95% CI: 0.707-0.995, P = 0.043, I 2 = 81.661%). However, the pooled analysis of cohort studies did not observe a significant association between hysterectomy and the occurrence of BC (RR = 0.981, 95% CI: 0.927-1.037, P = 0.495, I 2 = 60.319%). Conclusions The present study reveals a protective effect of hysterectomy on the occurrence of BC in case-control studies. However, more studies, especially cohort studies, are needed to elucidate the potential beneficial effects of hysterectomy on the development of BC. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024596235 , identifier CRD42024612164.