Abstract
The purpose of this article is to examine differences in the relationship of selected lifestyle factors and health-related behaviors between two groups of women. The study used part of the data gathered in a national Jordanian case-control survey of 100 women with breast cancer and an equal sample of controls. Controls were selected to match the cases (patients) in terms of their age, education, and place of residence. The Health Belief Model and the basic Epidemiological Model were the theoretical framework used in this study. Data were collected using an interview form that was specifically constructed for the national survey. It contained 6 sections: demographics, history of cancer in the family, reproductive history, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, and health education about breast self-examination. The study revealed that there were no significant differences between the patients and controls with regard to their intake of fat, vegetable oil, beef and lamb meat, and smoked food. Higher proportions of patients were found to consume more of the canned and spicy food and caffeinated drinks. Neither smoking nor living or working with someone who smokes showed any significant differences between the patients and controls. Most of the women with breast cancer were found to have exercised in the last 5 years before diagnosis. Having been exposed to stressful events was a major significant risk factor discriminating patients from controls. Finally, having prior knowledge of breast self-examination was a health-related factor that made these women more attentive to their health.