Potential Risk and Protective Factors in High- and Low-incidence Breast Cancer Populations in Northeast India: A Cross-sectional Study.

Objective: The case-control study aims to identify the potential risk and protective factors contributing to breast cancer risk in the high-incidence Aizawl population and the low-incidence Agartala population, using age-specific prevalence data of established reproductive factors and body mass index (BMI) among healthy women.

Methods: A risk profile survey was conducted on asymptomatic women aged 30-64 in Aizawl and Agartala towns. Data was analysed using SPSS software. A descriptive statistical analysis characterised variable distribution, and bivariate inferential analyses of variable differences including birth cohort study across two states were conducted. Logistic regression determined odds ratios of mean values of reproductive factors and BMI.

Results: The study reports that in Aizawl, a high prevalence of delayed marriages, late pregnancies, postmenopausal obesity and family history are potential risk factors for breast cancer in women, while an elevated mean age at menarche, high parity, and extended breastfeeding are protective factors. Conversely, in Agartala, early marriage, early first childbirth, high parity, prolonged breastfeeding, and healthy BMI are associated with low breast cancer risk in women. The study underscores the potential risk factors of early menarche and an extended reproductive period for women in Agartala.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of conducting age-specific prevalence studies in healthy women to identify critical risk and protective factors for breast cancer. Such information is crucial for healthcare professionals to develop prevention strategies, raise public awareness, and facilitate early detection of breast cancer in different populations. The study results will also set the stage for more extensive research on risk and protective factors for breast cancer in the Northeast region of India.