Breast cancer in southern Brazil: association with past dietary intake Cáncer de mama en el sur de Brasil: asociación con la ingestión pasada

Objective: To determine possible associations between the risk of breast cancer in Brazilian women and demographic, social and economical variables, and past dietary intake. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, between june and november 2003 involving a group of 33 women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and a control group of 33 healthy women volunteers. Personal details, health history and past dietary intake were obtained via questionnaires and interviews. Data between groups were compared using χ2, Fisher, and Student's t test, whilst associations were evaluated using a non-conditional logistic regression method and odds ratio (OR). Results: Statistically significant differences between the two groups were revealed with respect to age distribution (P = 0.007), family income level (P = 0.02), educational level (P < 0.0001) and attainment of menopause (P < 0.0001). After adjustment, with regard to family income level, of the data concerning past dietary intake, the consumption of pig lard (OR = 6.32) and fatty red meat (OR = 3.48) were found to be associated with an increase in the risk of breast cancer. The regular ingestion of apples (OR = 0.30), watermelons (OR = 0.31), tomatoes (OR = 0.16), plain cakes (OR = 0.30) and desserts (OR = 0.20) afforded some degree of protection against the development of the disease. Conclusions: Age (> 45 years), low family income (< $520/month), poor educational level (primary school level or lower) and past regular consumption of pork fat and fatty meat may be factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.Objetivo: Determinar las posibles asociaciones entre el riesgo de cáncer de mama en mujeres brasileñas y las variables demográficas, sociales y económicas, y la ingestión pasada. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos-control en Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brasil, entre junio y noviembre de 2003, implicando a un grupo de 33 mujeres con un diagnóstico reciente de cáncer de mama y un grupo control de 33 mujeres sanas, voluntarias. Se obtuvieron detalles personales, antecedentes de salud e ingestión alimentaria pasada mediante cuestionarios y entrevistas. Los datos entre los grupos se compararon usando las pruebas de χ², Fisher y t de Student, mientras que las asociaciones se evaluaron utilizando el método de regresión logística no condicional y la razón de probabilidades (odds ratio; OR). Resultados: Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas e