The Role of Family History on the Risk of Developing Breast Cancer

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of family history of breast cancer among women with breast cancer.

Study type settings & duration: This cross sectional study was carried out at the Department of Medical Oncology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi from January 2019 to July 2019.

Methodology: Total 176 females of age 26-74 years suffering from histopathological proven breast carcinoma were included in the study. The socio-demographics data and clinicopathological characteristics were recorded on the predesigned proforma. Family history regarding number and age of family members suffering from breast cancer at the time of diagnosis and degree of relationship with the patient was also obtained. The data was analysed via SPSS version 23.

Results: Out of 176 enrolled patients, 42 females had family history of breast cancer (23.8%). Among them almost all (95.2%) had one family member affected and only 2 patient had 2 family members affected by breast cancer. Out of 42, 30 patients had history in their 1st degree of relationship, followed by 2nd (n = 9) and 3rd (n = 3) degree. The most common relation affected by breast cancer was mother (47.6%), followed by sister (26.2%).

Conclusion: Family history plays a significant role in breast cancer. Positive relationship between age of the patients and age at diagnosis of breast cancer with family history showed statistical significant difference.