Fingerprint Patterns, A Novel Risk Factor For Breast Cancer In Egyptian Populations: A Case-Control Study

Context Every single person has got a unique dermal ridge pattern; this pattern is genetically determined. Dermal ridge patterns once established become fixed all throughout life. Fingerprint patterns offer a simple, convenient, and economical technique for recognition of some diseases. Aims The aim of this study is to find a relation between dermal ridge patterns and breast cancer among female Egyptian populations. Patients and methods A total of 500 patients with breast cancer and 500 women without cancer were included in our study. The fingerprints of all fingers of both hands of our patients and control group were obtained, using classic method of ink and paper. The fingerprints were then examined by a forensic medicine specialist for identification of the patterns and ridge count. Results The whorl pattern was the commonest pattern among the diseased group, representing 46%; this pattern was significantly increased when compared with the same pattern in the control group. It was found that the mean ridge count of the diseased group was less than that of control group. The frequency of six or more whorls was more common in the diseased group (46%) when compared with the same number in control group (13.4%). Conclusion Fingerprint patterns and ridge counts are easy, simple, noninvasive, cheap, and applicable methods for screening high-risk groups of breast cancer.