Role of Breast Feeding and Parity in Prevalence of Breast Cancer and Bone Metastasis

Our aim was to evaluate the role of breast feeding and parity (alive and abortion) in prevalence of breast cancer and secondary bone metastasis. For The study purpose 100 diagnosed females of breast cancer were selected. Proper history, especially about parity and lactation was sought. Consent and questionnaire forms were filled. Bone scan is done to rule out bone spread. In Pakistan per annum prevalence rate is 90,000. The frequency of breast cancer in Karachi was 69.1 per 100,000 according to 1998-2002 data.1.7 million cases and 521,900 deaths were reported in year of 2012. Breast cancer as single cause of death accounts for 25% of diagnosed cancer cases and 15% of all cancer deaths. Major risk factors are primary infertility, long exposure of contraceptive pills and estrogen due to late menopause. Upper and outer quadrant of left breast is commonest site for breast cancer. Breast feeding exerts beneficial effect on both mother and infant health. During and after several years of lactation low estrogen levels may be directly responsible for decline in breast cancer cases. Delayed ovulation is another indirect safe effect for reduction in breast cancer cases. Bone scanning is the first choice to pick bone metastasis secondary to breast cancer. Recommended sensitivity is 95%.

This study evaluates the role of parity and breast feeding in patients of breast cancer with and without bone metastasis. No statistically significant difference was found in parity (alive children and abortion) among bone scan positive and negative case. Breast feeding practices were significantly less in bone scanning positive (76%) cases as compared to negative (87%) cases (p<0.05). Breast feeding of any duration has a significant role in protection from breast cancer. Parity does not directly impact the prevalence of breast cancer, but may exert an indirect beneficial role.