A meta-analysis of consanguinity and breast cancer

BackgroundThere have been various publications stating that consanguinity both increases and decreases the risk of breast cancer.AimsThe 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.MethodsEligible 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.ResultsThree 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.ConclusionThough 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.