Metabolic syndrome is an independent risk factor for breast cancer.

Objective: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with breast cancer and the independent effect of metabolic syndrome on breast cancer risk.

Methods: Eighty-one women aged 40-80 years with breast cancer and 81 controls of similar age were screened for metabolic syndrome prevalence and breast cancer risk factors, including age at diagnosis, age at menarche, reproductive status, live births, breastfeeding, family history of breast cancer, physical activity, cigarette smoking, body mass index, and metabolic syndrome parameters. Each variable was first assessed for baseline comparisons using the univariate model, and significant variables were then added to the multivariate conditional logistic regression model.

Results: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 59.2% in breast cancer patients, and 37% in the control group (p < 0.005). A positive and independent association was observed between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer risk (odds ratio = 2.49; 95% confidence interval 1.17-5.30).

Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in breast cancer patients and is an independent risk factor for breast cancer.