Morteza Hashemian - Assistant Professor, Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Mohammad Reza Aflatoonian - Assistant Professor, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
Behnaz Aflatoonian - Researcher, Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Mohammad Esmaeil Akbari - Professor of Endocrine surgery, Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

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, ۱۱۱ 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 ۲۲ and by using descriptive statistics, ratios differences, mean differences and linear regression. Results: Mean age of patients was ۴۹.۸± ۱۰.۹ years and mean BMI was ۲۷.۴ ± ۵.۴ Kg/m۲. Mean number of removed lymph nodes was ۷.۸ ± ۵.۲ and in ۵۰% of the patients, mean number of involved lymph nodes after the surgery was ۴.۲ ± ۳.۵. The disease was significantly more prevalent among those who were employed, married, had academic education, and aged over ۴۵ years. According to Linear regression model, each ۱.۰۶ 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.

breast cancer, Surgery, Pregnancy, lymph node