Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common fatal cancer among women worldwide and it has an increasing rate in Iranian women. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of gravidity with removed lymph nodes and involved lymph nodes after mastectomy surgery in women with breast cancer. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 111 women with breast cancer, who had undergone mastectomy surgery, were studied. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were extracted from their medical files and recorded in a questionnaire. Data were analyzed through SPSS 22 and by using descriptive statistics, ratios differences, mean differences and linear regression. Results: Mean age of patients was 49.8± 10.9 years and mean BMI was 27.4 ± 5.4 Kg/m 2 . Mean number of removed lymph nodes was 7.8 ± 5.2 and in 50 of the patients, mean number of involved lymph nodes after the surgery was 4.2 ± 3.5. The disease was significantly more prevalent among those who were employed, married, had academic education, and aged over 45 years. According to Linear regression model, each 1.06 year age increase was significantly associated with one more removed lymph node and each gravidity increase was associated with one less removed lymph node and approximately two more involved lymph nodes after the surgery. Conclusion: The results showed that age and gravidity are the most effective factors in the development of lymphadenopathy, especially in increasing the involved lymph nodes after the surgery. Therefore, enhancing the awareness of women about appropriate screening methods for early detection of breast cancer and regular check-ups after surgery is essential to reduce the probable problems. © 2017, Kerman University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.