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Written by Dr. Rachita Narsaria | We all are affected by breast cancer, whether we’re fighting a personal battle or supporting someone we care about. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women, second only to lung cancer. About 1 in 8 women will develop an invasive form of breast cancer at some point in her life. Knowledge is power, so let’s explore what really puts one at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Non-modifiable risk factors
Age and gender
Just being a woman puts you at a 100 fold greater risk than a man to develop breast cancer. This is due to higher estrogen and progesterone levels. As women get older, their odds of developing breast cancer also increase. About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while 2 of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older.
Heredity and genes
Inheritance of mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes from either parent puts one at an 8% higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Having one first degree relative who has or is suffering from breast cancer doubles the risk while having two 1st degree relatives triples the risk.
Certain breast diseases
Having a previous history of certain benign diseases of the breast nevertheless puts one at a higher risk of breast cancer. Non-proliferating lesions that minimally raise the risk of cancer are: fibrosis, cysts, adenosis, papilloma, phyllodes tumor, mastitis, ductal ectasia, periductal fibrosis and other benign tumors. Proliferating lesions that raise the risk about twofold are usual ductal hyperplasia, fibroadenoma, sclerosing adenosis, papillomatosis and radial scarring. Lesions with atypical cell growth like atypical ductal and lobular hyperplasia, both raise the risk to about 3.5 to 5 times the normal rate. Diagnosis of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) increases the risk 7 to 11 times.
Modifiable risk factors
Obesity
In an article published in the December 3, 2003 volume of the Journal of American Medical Association, a link was found between obesity and cancer. Higher calorie intake affects numerous hormones in the body including IGF-1, which is known to have a tumour promoting trait. Another large study published by the American Cancer Society in 2003 revealed data from over 900,000 people over a sixteen year follow-up period. The study reports a positive link between obesity and most cancer deaths.
Family planning
Women without children and woman who give birth over the age of 30 face a higher risk of developing breast cancer while women with multiple pregnancies and younger mothers have a lower than normal risk. Women using OCPs are at a higher risk but this risk regresses as time passes once pill intake has stopped.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding causes a temporary stoppage of menstrual cycles. This might be the reason why it also reduces the risk of breast cancer in women who breastfeed for 1.5 to 2 years after childbirth.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) puts a woman at a higher risk of breast cancer because of the longer exposure to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. HRT was used extensively to prevent osteoporosis in women but nowadays doctors are more cautious to advise it to women.
Alcohol
Alcohol usage has been shown to have a direct link to breast cancer. The greater the quantity, the higher are the chances of acquiring not just breast cancer but many other types of cancers. So it’s wiser to give up the drinking habit immediately.
The best way to prevent breast cancer is to go for a regular mammogram once a year if you are above 40.
Disclaimer: This article was written for informative purposes only. It is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition. Please consult your family physician for proper medical care.