Background. The objective of this study was twofold to identify gynecological characteristics thatdistinguish women diagnosed with early-stagebreast cancer from those at more advanced stages;to identify distinguishing characteristics betweenpremenopasual and postmenopausal women diagnosedwith the same stage.Population and method. 186 incident cases diagnosedwith breast cancer were identified out of the685 patients who were seen to in 2000-2001. Thevariables to be studied were obtained by means of aspecific questionnaire which collected data concerningreproductive characteristics and contraceptivetypes.Results. Significant differences in the mean age werefound, since the early-stage group was younger(57.01 ± 12.82 vs. 65.06 ± 15.11). Characteristical factorsfound in pre-menopausal women were earlymenopause, they either had no children or a singlechild, no breastfeeding practice and a more extensiveuse of contraceptives. Postmenopausal womenpresented more advanced stages, more pregnanciesand less abortions.Conclusions. By taking the obtained results intoconsideration, it would be recommendable to bringforward the age at which women are to be includedin early detection programmes, and to conduct afollow-up of those women who present such factorsto favour an earlier diagnosis of the disease
