Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. An increasing number of studies highlight the contribution of environmental and lifestyle factors, including cosmetic use, in its development. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between cosmetic and dietary habits and breast cancer risk among women in Benin. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted involving 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer and matched 200 controls in the departments of visceral surgery, internal medicine, dermatology-venereology, and rheumatology at CNHU-HKM, and the gynecology-obstetrics department of CHU-MEL. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire addressing family history, dietary patterns, and cosmetic product usage. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, several cosmetic practices including the use of alkaline soaps (OR(a) = 7.26; p = 0.001), scented body lotions (OR(a) = 25.90; p < 0.001), perfumes (OR(a) = 30.43; p < 0.01), deodorants (OR(a) = 5.76; p = 0.009), shampoos/conditioners (OR(a) = 31.92; p < 0.001), and lipsticks (OR(a) = 69.12; p = 0.018) were significantly associated with increased breast cancer risk. First-degree family history of breast cancer was associated with more than a threefold increase in risk. Contrary to existing literature, the consumption of soy, beans, and sesame also appeared to be linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in this population. CONCLUSION: Our results show a possible association between environmental factors-particularly the use of cosmetic products-and breast cancer. These results underscore a compelling need for a national cosmetovigilance system in Benin and public health initiatives promoting healthier lifestyles, especially among genetically predisposed women.