Risk Factors Associated with Breast Cancer among Women in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, 2015

Abstract

Breast cancer is a disease where cells divide abnormally without control. Several risk factors for breast cancer have been well documented. Kenya is currently ranked as one of the countries with the highest breast cancer rates in Africa and affects about 34 out of every 100,000 people. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with breast cancer among women in Trans-Nzoia County; 2015.Thestudy investigated the socio demographic characteristics, reproductive, hormonal and behavioral risk factors. The study was conducted between January and December 2015. A cross sectional study design was used to study a population aged 18 years and above who visited the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic in Kitale District Hospital and were totaling to 360. A sample size of 150 was obtained using fisher’s formula and simple random sampling used to select respondents. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire administered to the respondents. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis was used. The study found that the risk of breast cancer increases with age, never breastfed children and had consumed alcohol. The study found that age (x2= 1.714), never breastfed(x2= 1.102, p=0.007) were statistically significant. The findings further revealed that alcohol consumption was statistically significant (x2= 101.25, p=0.000) so to average daily alcohol consumption (x2= 102.077, p=0.000).The study concluded that age of a woman was statistically significant with presence of breast cancer. It also concluded that reproductive, hormonal and behavioral risk factors were statistically significant in relationship with breast cancer presence. The study recommends women to breast feed children or at least 6 months, be periodically screened for breast cancer, avoid alcohol and smoking cigarette. The study recommended to the county Government to make breast cancer services accessible and affordable to the community and other researchers to carry out further research on breast cancer.