Breast Cancer in Arab and Jewish Women in and association with use of hormonal medications

Alexandra Verzhbitsky, Sophia Eilat-Tsanani

Keywords: age, Arabs, breast cancer, hormones, Jews, risk factors

Background:

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in women. Epidemiology of breast cancer shows differences between populations around the world. Differences in mortality rates were reported as well. In Israel, breast cancer prevalence is lower among Arab compared to Jewish women, but incidence is increasing among Arab women at a younger age. The results of our previous cross-sectional study indicate on differences in exposure to hormonal medications between Arab and Jewish women with breast cancer, with lower use of combined oral contraceptives (OCCP) and HRT and higher use of progestogens and medications for treatment of infertility.

Research questions:

Is the use of hormonal medications is associated with different rate of risk in Arab and Jewish women?​

Method:

a case-control study comparing Arab and Jewish women with breast cancer and their use of hormonal medications from various types: OCCP, HRT, progestogens and medications for treatment of infertility. The population of the study will ininclude Arab and Jewish women, cared by Clalit Health Services at age 30-60, that were diagnosed with breast cancer in the years 2023. The data on use of hormonal medication will be rtrieved for the years 2000-2022. The analysis will be comprised of the description, comparing rates of use of hormonal medications between the groups, and calculation of OR in relation to each medications and combination of use, in adjustment with other risk factors, like age, number of pregnancies, age of first pregnancy, age at menopause, obesity at menopause, smoking.

Results:

not applicable

Conclusions:

not applicable

Points for discussion:

Is previous use of hormonal medications may contribute to incidence of breast cancer in Arab women?

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