Identifying the Breast Cancer Risk Factors and How to Prevent Them
Did you know that Breast Cancer can be affected by several controllable factors that an individual willingly or unwillingly performs?
Generally, it occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and divide, forming a tumor.
But, each individual’s risk of being diagnosed with Breast Cancer and their chances of recovery after diagnosis is influenced by unique variables.
These factors can vary from person to person and contribute to the overall complexity of the disease.
Breast cancer risk factors can be classified into two main categories: Non-Controllable and Controllable risk factors.
We will discuss these in detail in this article.
Non-controllable factors
Non-controllable risk factors are those that cannot be changed or controlled by the actions of an individual.
These include:
Gender
Being female is the most significant risk factor for Breast Cancer.
Although Breast Cancer can occur in males, it is much more common in females.
Age
The risk of developing Breast Cancer increases as the person gets older.
Most of the Breast Cancers occur in women over the age of 50.
Family history
Having close relatives (such as a mother or sister) who have had Breast Cancer also increases the risk.
The risk is higher if the affected relative had developed Breast Cancer at a young age or if multiple family members are affected.
Genetic mutations
Specific inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can significantly increase the risk of Breast Cancer.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the breast cancer genes 1 and 2, respectively.
These genes play a crucial role in producing proteins that assist in the repair of damaged DNA.
As a person ages, DNA repair decreases, and the risk of developing Breast Cancer increases.
Controllable risk factors
Controllable risk factors are those that can be influenced or changed by the actions of an individual. Which includes.
Lifestyle factors
Certain lifestyles, day-to-day choices and activities can affect Breast Cancer risk.
These include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of physical activity, and being overweight or obese.
Hormonal factors
Breast Cancer can be caused due to effect of prolonged exposure to Estrogen.
There are several ways it can happen, which includes
- Early onset of menstruation
- Late menopause
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
Reproductive history
Factors such as having children in later phase of life, not having children, or never breastfeeding may increase the risk of having Breast Cancer.
Radiation exposure
Exposure to high-dose radiation, such as during radiation therapy for previous Cancers, may increase the risk of having Breast Cancer.
Prevention Tips for Breast Cancer
Here are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk factors and enhance protective factors for reducing the risk of developing Breast Cancer; the tips are as follows.
Self-awareness
It is important to become familiar with the usual look and feel of your breasts through regular self-exams.
This allows you to identify any changes or abnormalities and promptly seek medical attention.
Healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy weight by having a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
One should exercise for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or any 40min High-intensity interval workout.
Limit alcohol consumption
Reduce or avoid alcohol intake, as excessive consumption of alcohol is linked with a higher risk of Breast Cancer.
No smoking
Quit smoking or avoid tobacco products altogether, as smoking has been associated with a higher risk of Breast Cancer.
Research shows that a longer duration of smoking increases Breast Cancer risk by 15% to 40%.
Breastfeeding
If possible, breastfeed your baby.
Breastfeeding has been shown to have a protective effect against Breast Cancer.
Hormone therapy
If considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to manage menopausal symptoms, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Limiting the duration and type of HRT can help minimize the risk of Breast Cancer.
Genetic counseling and testing
If you have a family history of this disease or carry a specific genetic consider genetic counseling and testing to assess your risk.
This can guide you in making informed decisions about preventive measures.
Regular screenings
Adhere to recommended Breast Cancer screenings such as clinical breast exams.
The frequency and age to start screenings may vary based on individual risk factors, so consult your doctor.
Regular screenings and early detection remain crucial for identifying Breast Cancer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adopting a proactive approach towards reducing the risk of Breast Cancer involves several important steps, which include.
Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, breastfeeding, avoiding hormone replacement therapy, and performing regular breast self-examinations are key factors that can significantly contribute to minimizing the risk.
By implementing these measures alongside regular screenings and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, individuals can take charge of their breast health.
Frequently Asked Questions
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
