Unveiling Dietary Patterns and Their Connection to Breast Cancer Risk
Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge. In 2023, the World Health Association reported over 2.3 million new cases worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for research into modifiable risk factors. This study investigates the potential link between dietary quality, as assessed by the Global Dietary Quality Score (GDQS), and breast cancer incidence among women in Isfahan, Iran. Understanding these connections could inform preventative strategies and improve patient outcomes.
study Design and Participant Recruitment
This research utilized data from 600 women diagnosed with breast cancer, drawn from a larger case-control study conducted between May 2021 and October 2023. Participants were all adult females (aged 18-75) residing within the 15 municipal districts of Isfahan, and their diagnoses were confirmed through pathology reports registered with the Isfahan Breast Cancer Registry. Initial recruitment involved 653 eligible patients,with 53 choosing not to participate,resulting in a final cohort of 600 women who provided informed consent. The study protocol received ethical approval from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ethics committee (IR.MUI.REC.1399.010),and both verbal and written consent were obtained from all participants prior to data collection.
Rigorous Data Collection Procedures
A team of five highly trained female interviewers meticulously gathered data from each participant. The selection process prioritized individuals demonstrating extraordinary communication and interpersonal skills, ensuring a comfortable and reliable interview experience. Before commencing interviews, the study’s objectives and potential benefits were clearly explained to participants to maximize response rates. To maintain data integrity and minimize potential bias, a quality control system was implemented, involving random recording and review of interviews.
The interview process encompassed a comprehensive assessment of participant characteristics, including age, perceived stress levels, marital status, household socioeconomic status (SES), dietary habits, and physical activity levels. Physical activity was quantified based on frequency (days per week) and duration (minutes per day), assigning Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) values – 8 for vigorous activities and 3 for light activities – to calculate total MET minutes per week.This metric was then categorized into ranges: 0-1000, 1001-2000, and >2000.
Detailed Dietary Assessment Methodology
Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated qualitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) specifically adapted for the Iranian population. This FFQ comprised 168 food items with portion sizes reflecting typical serving sizes within the region. Interviewers conducted phone interviews, prompting participants to report their consumption frequency and standard portion sizes for each food item, using open-ended responses based on daily, weekly, or monthly intake.The reported intake data was then meticulously processed. Daily intake of each food item was calculated, and portion sizes were converted to grams using standard household measurements. Total intake for each item was steadfast by multiplying frequency by portion size. the Nutritionist IV software was employed to analyze the data, calculating daily consumption of energy, macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for each participant.
The Global Dietary Quality Score: A Holistic Approach
Central to this study is the submission of the Global Dietary Quality Score (GDQS). This validated index provides a comprehensive assessment of nutrient adequacy and the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across diverse populations. The GDQS considers 25 food groups, categorizing 16 as healthy, 7 as unhealthy, and 2 as neutral. This nuanced approach allows for a more accurate evaluation of overall dietary patterns and their potential impact on health outcomes, offering a more refined analysis then focusing on individual nutrients alone.