Association between hysterectomy for benign indications and the risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta- analysis.

Abstract

<h4>Objectives</h4>To determine the association between hysterectomy performed for benign indications and the risk of developing BC.<h4>Methods</h4>A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from database inception up to December 11, 2024. Eligible studies were observational design. Relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model, <i>I²</i> was used to assess the heterogeneity between studies.<h4>Results</h4>This meta-analysis included 12 studies, consisting of 4 case-control studies and 8 cohort studies. The pooled analysis of case-control studies indicated that hysterectomy reduced the risk of BC (RR = 0.839, 95% CI: 0.707-0.995, <i>P</i> = 0.043, <i>I²</i> = 81.661%). However, the pooled analysis of cohort studies did not observe a significant association between hysterectomy and the occurrence of BC (RR = 0.981, 95% CI: 0.927-1.037, <i>P</i> = 0.495, <i>I²</i> = 60.319%).<h4>Conclusions</h4>The present study reveals a protective effect of hysterectomy on the occurrence of BC in case-control studies. However, more studies, especially cohort studies, are needed to elucidate the potential beneficial effects of hysterectomy on the development of BC.<h4>Systematic review registration</h4>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024596235, identifier CRD42024612164.