Background: There have been various publications stating that consanguinity both increases and decreases the risk of breast cancer.
Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of consanguinity upon breast cancer. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.
Methods: Eligible studies were identified on Medline and EMBASE updated to the 19 of September 2017. Studies with sufficient comparative data were included in a meta-analysis. Analyses were carried out using RevMan software.
Results: Three comparative studies with a total of 317 individuals with breast cancer and 1459 controls. Reviewing the literature demonstrated conflicting conclusions of the influence of consanguinity upon breast cancer. The meta-analysis showed that there were no statistically significant associations between consanguinity and breast cancer though there was a trend protection from a history of consanguinity.
Conclusion: Though there is limited literature published on the effects of parental consanguinity, the available data does not demonstrate that it is a risk factor for breast cancer.
Keywords: Breast cancer; Consanguinity; Inbreeding; Incest; Risk.