Waist–hip ratio and breast cancer risk in urbanized Nigerian women

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between waist–hip ratio and the risk of breast cancer in an urban Nigerian population. METHODS: Between March 1998 and August 2000, we conducted a case–control study of hospital-based breast cancer patients (n = 234) and population-based controls (n = 273) using nurse interviewers in urban Southwestern Nigeria. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression showed a significant association between the highest tertile of waist–hip ratio and the risk of breast cancer (odds ratio= 2.67, 95% confidence interval = 1.05–6.80) among postmenopausal women. No association was found in premenopausal women. CONCLUSION: The present study, the first in an indigenous African population, supports other studies that have shown a positive association between obesity and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women.