The frequency of CYP1A1 (CYP1A1*2A), GSTM1, and GSTT1 polymorphisms, as well as the main risk factors associated with breast cancer were studied in Brazilian women, with malignant breast cancer (n=128), or age-matched controls (n=256). Only a family history of breast cancer presented a significant risk (OR=3.00, CI=1.27-7.06). Among non-whites, the CYP1A1*2A allele was underrepresented among patients. Statistical analysis indicated that this polymorphism may decrease the risk of breast cancer among these individuals, particularly after adjusting for the risk presented by selected risk factors (OR=0.30, 95% CI=0.12-0.76).