1 Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil; 2 Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brazil.
The prevention strategy of breast cancer is still the key factor for early diagnosis and the most effective methodfor tracking the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the association of lifestyle and vitamin D level with breast cancer in women. This case-control study was carried out in 178 women with breast cancer and 195 healthy controls, recruited at a public hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Interviews, data collection related to lifestyle and history of patients, besides anthropometric measurements were performed. Blood collection for vitamin D dosage was performed. This study shows a direct association between breast cancer and the patient’s age (OR 1.063, p=0.000), age at first successful pregnancy (OR 1.077, p=0.001), nulliparity (OR 2.051, p=0.015), menopause (OR 5.886, p=0.000), age of the first mammography (OR 1.037, p=0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR 2.028, p=0.046). An inverse association was also observed between physical activity (OR 0.186, p=0.000), high body fat % (OR 0.659, p=0.049), contraceptive use (OR 0.614, p=0.022), income (1.624, p=0.021), vitamin D levels (OR 0.940, p=0.001) and breast cancer. Using the multiple logistic regression model, the family history of breast cancer (OR 33.99, p = 0.001) and menopause (OR 7.600, p =0.000) had a direct association with breast cancer, while the level of vitamin D (OR 0.950, p=0.022) and the practice of moderate physical activity (OR 0.250, p=0.016) maintained the inverse associations with the disease. In summary, women with family history have higher chances to develop breast cancer. However, practice of moderate physical activity associated with an adequate sun exposure to maintain normal vitamin D levels, is recommended as a strategy of public policy to prevent breast cancer. Support: CAPES, CNPq, FAPEMIG.