Assessing The Associations Between Asbestos Exposure and Breast Cancer Incidence Among Nova Scotian Females in a Longitudinal Cohort Study

Abstract

Breast cancer is common among female populations worldwide. While many risk factors for breast cancer are well-established, potential associations between asbestos exposure and breast cancer incidence remains a subject of ongoing investigation. This population-based study utilized data from 8,808 cancer-free females in Nova Scotia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between three binary indicators of asbestos exposure (at work, at home and overall) and breast cancer incidence, adjusting for various confounders. Increased odds of breast cancer among participants reporting prior asbestos exposure in the workplace was noted (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.00 – 3.06). Elevated risks were observed for following occupational asbestos exposure (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.21 – 3.92) and overall asbestos exposure (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.06 – 3.11) among females 50 years of age or older. These results warrant further investigation to uncover potential biological mechanisms and confirm observations among other populations.