Association between breast cancer and diet quality among women in Córdoba: a case-control study

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women in Córdoba and Argentina. Diet quality is a modifiable risk factor associated with this disease. This study aimed to analyze the association between diet quality and the occurrence of BC among women in Córdoba (2021-2024).

A case-control study was conducted. After obtaining informed consent, a semi-structured survey was used to collect information on bio-socio-cultural aspects, physical activity, and dietary habits (RePIS 4216). The Diet Quality Index (DQI-R) was used to assess dietary quality based on four components: Variety, Adequacy, Moderation, and Balance. The final score was categorized into three levels: Healthy (≥80), Needs changes (50-80), and Unhealthy (≤50). Multiple logistic regression models were applied to analyze the association between diet quality and the occurrence of BC, adjusting for sociodemographic, biological, and lifestyle variables.

The study included 66 BC cases and 132 controls, with an average age of 58.3 ± 11.6 years. Cases had diets with lower variety, adequacy, and balance compared to controls (p < 0.05). Sixty-three percent of the cases had an unhealthy diet, while 63% of the controls needed changes in their diet (p < 0.05). The Adequacy [OR 0.9; 95% CI: 0.82-0.98] and Balance [OR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74-0.96] components showed a protective effect, reducing the likelihood of BC (p < 0.05). An unhealthy diet tripled the likelihood of developing BC [OR 2.8; 95% CI: 1.44-5.45; p = 0.002]. High socioeconomic status had a protective effect [OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.13-0.78; p = 0.012], while a family history of cancer was a risk factor for BC [OR 2.18; 95% CI: 1.08-4.37; p = 0.029].

There was an association between poor diet quality and the occurrence of CM. This highlights the importance of promoting healthy diets as a preventive measure, emphasizing adequate portions and the balance of macronutrients.