Female breast cancer : an investigation of the risk factors in Maltese women

Abstract

Various research studies, performed worldwide, reveal a number of factors that may influence a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. A considerable number of these factors are recognized as contributing to increase breast cancer risk, whereas others are thought to reduce risk. A woman's knowledge of what influences her risk of developing this cancer allows her to take certain decisions, related mostly to her lifestyle, which may protect her from this disease. This research study was designed to investigate the risk factors in the Maltese women attending for a mammogram at the Radiology Department of St. Luke's Hospital. An interview sheet, formulated by the researcher herself, was the research tool utilized in this study. The results reveal that not all the clients fall under the category of risk factors identified by Health Vision 2000 (1995) as factors that increase the risk of a Maltese woman to develop breast cancer. The most common risk factors, identified in these women, were also revealed, "age above 50" being the principal one. Based on the findings of this study it is suggested that a more specific risk category of Maltese women be identified. Also, the public should be made more aware of the factors that put them at risk of developing breast cancer so that preventive measures can be applied.