Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in India, accounting for 27% of all cancer in women. In cities, 1 in 22 women develops breast cancer whereas in villages 1 in 60 women develop breast cancer. Breast cancer is the world’s second leading cause of death from cancer among women. we will flash light on the causes of breast cancer in detail:
What are the causes of breast cancer? They are mainly categorized into modifiable and non-modifiable factors.
1) Non-modifiable factor
- Gender
- Personal history of cancer
- Family history of cancer
- Menstrual problem
- Genetic characteristics
2) Modifiable factor
- Physical activity, dietary factors, obesity and being overweight
- Alcohol use
- Tobacco
- Excessive use of hormones
- Lack of breastfeeding
What factors contribute to breast cancer?
It is critical in general health screening camps for women to identify risk factors associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer development. Breast cancer risk factors are classified into seven broad categories. (1)
- Age: Being 50 or older increases your chances of developing breast cancer.
- Sex: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in India. Women are much more likely to develop breast cancer as compared to men.
- Personal history of breast cancer: A history of cancer in one breast raises the chances of developing a second primary cancer in the opposite breast.
- Family history and genetics. You are more likely to develop breast cancer if you have parents, siblings, children, or other close relatives who have had the disease. Approximately 5% to 10% of breast cancers are caused by single abnormal genes passed down from parents to children and are detectable through genetic testing.
- Obesity: Obesity can increase your risk of developing breast cancer and having it reappear.
- Smoking and Smokeless tobacco: Research indicates that tobacco use might have been linked to numerous cancers, including breast cancer.
- Alcohol use: According to research, drinking alcohol may increase your risk of developing certain types of breast cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) users are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Lack of breastfeeding: It can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
- Reproductive risk factors: Breast cancer risk is thought to increase with reproductive milestones that increase a woman’s lifetime estrogen exposure. These include menarche before the age of 12 i.e., early menarche, first live childbirth after the age of 30, nulliparity, and menopause after the age of 55.
- Radiation exposure: You are more likely to develop breast cancer if you have had prior radiation therapy, particularly to your head, neck, or chest.
Importance of screening and early detection
70-80% of cancers are diagnosed late. It can be difficult to treat at that time. Routine screening could help most patients detect it early. Others may present with a breast lump that was detected by accident, a change in breast shape or size, or nipple discharge. Breast cancer must be diagnosed through self-breast examination, mammography, biopsy and FNAC. Early and regular breast screening would help to reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. Early detection improves survival rate. Survival is more than three times higher when cancer is diagnosed early. Cancer spreads lymphatically and hematologically, resulting in distant metastasis and a poor prognosis. This describes and emphasizes the significance of breast cancer screening programmes. (2)
Breast cancer may be prevented by doing regular physical activity, taking proper and suggested diet by the nutritionists, and staying away from alcohol use and tobacco-related product.
A variety of other factors can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Consult your doctor to evaluate if you are at risk.
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