Influence of Dietary Habits, Physical Activity and Affluence Factors on Breast Cancer in East India: a Case-control Study

The upward trend in breast cancer globally and in India has become a matter of great concern. The higher incidences generally seen in developed countries has lead to the postulation that the disease is due to life style so that growing industrialization and urbanization may be a major factor. Keeping this in mind, the present case-control study was undertaken in Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata from 2002 to 2003, focusing on 267 female breast cancer patients and an equal number of age-matched controls. The analysis of study reports demonstrated a positive correlation with a higher standard of living, higher educational status, and higher intake of animal protein, fat and deep fried foods. This study is the first report from Eastern India to attempt to correlate different life style and dietary factors with breast cancer development.