This study examined the prevalence of established breast cancer risk factors among healthy Sinhalese and Tamil women in Sri Lanka. A survey was conducted using a food frequency questionnaire, physical activity assessment, and Gail risk tool with 100 Sinhalese and 150 Tamil women aged 25-70. The results found high consumption of meat, processed meat, cheese and eggs among Sinhalese, while Tamils reported high meat intake and low cruciferous vegetables and soy. Reproductive risks like early menarche and menopause were more common in Sinhalese, while Tamils had shorter breastfeeding durations. Both groups showed inactivity, but Sinhalese reported more dietary risks while Tamils faced higher reproductive and heredit

1. Prevalence of established risk factors of breast cancer among apparently healthy women
in two ethnic groups
R. Shobana*
, J.I.K Hettiarachchi, and G.A.P Chandrasekara.
Department of Applied Nutrition, Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries and Nutrition,
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (NWP), Sri Lanka
*Corresponding author (email: shoba.ravi31@gmail.com)
Breast cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the world. Over 508,000 women
died worldwide due to breast cancer in 2011 (1). Death rate due to breast cancer is increasing
particularly in developing countries like Sri Lanka. Recognizing risk factors and their
prevalence among local communities are important for preventive measures. The main
objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of established risk factors of breast
cancer among apparently healthy women in two ethnic groups. A cross sectional study was
conducted using 100 Sinhalese and 150 Tamils who were conveniently recruited within the
age range of 25-70 years. A pre tested general questionnaire and a food frequency
questionnaire were used to collect information. Further, physical activity level of individuals
was determined by using General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ).
Lifetime risk of breast cancer with respect to reproductive and hereditary characteristics of
apparently healthy women was assessed by using Gail risk assessment tool (2).
High consumption of meat (84.0%), processed meat (33.0%), cheese (30.0%) and high
frequency consumption of butter/margarine (46.0%) and egg (74.0%) were identified as
dietary risk factors common among Sinhalese. Among Tamils, high consumption of meat
(76.0%) and low frequency consumption of cruciferous vegetables (50.0%) and soya meat
(60.7%) were observed to be common dietary risk factors. Reproductive risk factors such as
young age at menarche, higher BMI and low parity were highly prevalent among Sinhalese
whereas majority of Tamils had shorter durations of breast feeding. In the study sample,
77.0% of Sinhalese and 67.3% of Tamils were identified as inactive. Further, 21.0% of
Sinhalese and 10.0% of Tamils were exposed to passive smoking. Based on Gail risk
assessment tool, majority of the subjects showed a lower risk for breast cancer compared to an
average woman of the same age. Among the women with high risk, majority was Tamils.
Number of considered dietary risk factors was higher among Sinhalese than Tamils.
Tamils indicated a comparatively higher risk for breast cancer related to reproductive and
hereditary factors than Sinhalese. However, more research is needed on risk factors of breast
cancer in different communities to investigate the identified trends.
(1) World Health Organization (2013) Breast cancer: prevention and control [online] Available from:
http://www.who.int/cancer/detection/breastcancer/en/index1.html [accessed on 02/04/2016].
(2) National Institute of Health (2011) Breast cancer risk assessment tool [online] Available from:
http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/ [accessed on 05/06/2016].
Keywords: Gail risk assessment tool; General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire;
Sinhalese; Sri Lanka; Tamils