Effect of dairy products intake on breast cancer risk: A case-control study in Algeria

Abstract Objectives The aim of this hospital-based case-control study is to evaluate the association between dairy products consumption and breast cancer risk. This relationship has not previously been studied in Algeria. Materials and methods Our study was conducted on 184 breast cancer patients and equal number of age-matched controls. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive and menstrual history, medical history, lifestyle factors and anthropometric measurements were collected by interviewers. Dietary intake information was also obtained using a short food questionnaire. The Odds ratios [95% confidence interval (CI)] of breast cancer were estimated across categories of dairy intake using multivariable logistic regression. Results We observed an increased breast cancer risk in women with higher consumption of milk [OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.32–5.16, P  = 0.027] comparing with those in lower category of intake. An inverse association with breast cancer risk was observed for total cheese intake when comparing highest with lowest quartiles. The protective effect of cheese was confirmed only for fresh cheese. No significant association was found for other types of dairy foods. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the differential effect of dairy products types on breast cancer risk. Future studies are warranted to confirm these results.