Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide and poses a growing public health challenge in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, where it accounts for nearly one in four female cancer cases.
Objective: The present study aimed to assess the epidemiological risk factors associated with breast cancer among women in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 women clinically diagnosed with breast cancer. Participants were recruited from three tertiary care hospitals in Lahore — Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, lifestyle patterns, and family history. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the prevalence and distribution of major risk determinants.
Results: The study revealed that early menarche (≤12 years) was observed in 22.9% of women, while 73.8% had given birth and 89% had their first childbirth before age 30, indicating predominant exposure to known reproductive risk factors. Only 31.9% performed breast self-examination, 10.9% underwent mammography, and 23.3% engaged in regular physical activity, reflecting low awareness and limited adoption of preventive health behaviors among women in Lahore.
Conclusion: The study concludes that limited awareness and inadequate engagement in early detection and healthy lifestyle practices contribute to increased breast cancer risk among women in Lahore, highlighting the need for targeted health education and screening initiatives.