On the possibility of an increased risk of breast cancer in patients who underwent breast surgeries for benign diseases

Aim. Assessment of risk of breast cancer secondary to earlier breast surgery for benign disease.

Methods. The initial sample group of breast cancer included 295 patients who were followed up for 2006-2010. The final sample group of breast cancer (for primary analysis) was formed from this group and included 204 patients in order to provide accurate comparison with the control group on factors affecting the breast surgery probability for benign processes for life and on the lifetime risk for breast cancer. The control group included 1141 patients. The rate of surgical interventions for benign breast diseases was compared in the breast cancer group for primary analysis and the control group.

Results. The rate of surgical interventions was significantly higher in breast cancer patients: (7.35 vs. 3.94% in the control group): odds ratio for breast cancer patients was 1.137; 95% confidence interval 0.981-1.318 (p=0.03). Duration of the gap between the initial surgical and subsequent development of breast cancer on operated side was 20.05±11.373 years (variation range - 8 to 54 years).

Conclusion. Performed breast surgery might increase the risk of future developing breast cancer; however, a long-term study is needed to confirm these data.