Assessment of the Potential Drug Etiology of Breast Cancer: Analyses of Data from a Case-Control Drug Surveillance Study
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to assess the potential drug etiology of breast cancer through analyses of data from our hospital-based Case-Control Surveillance Study. We carried out computer 'screens' of the data to detect unsuspected associations: the use of each drug or drug class among women with breast cancer was compared to that among women admitted for other conditions. Odds ratios were significantly elevated or reduced for several drugs; these relationships will be assessed in detailed analyses. The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated in several studies with a reduced risk of large bowel cancer. We assessed NSAID use in relation to breast cancer risk in comparisons of 6558 cases of breast cancer to 3296 cancer and 2925 noncancer controls. In the analysis using noncancer controls, the odds ratio was compatible with a small reduction in the risk of breast cancer among regular users of NSMDs. However, the reduction was attributable to one study center that contributed less than 10% of the data. With cancer controls there was no reduction. The results, including analyses of the duration and timing of use, do not support an inverse association between NSAID use and the risk of breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA332856
Entities
People
- Lynn Rosenberg
Organizations
- Boston University