WAYS TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER

drkmh WAYS TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER

 

Cancer can silently creep up on an individual and go undetected until it’s too late. Hence, there is no harm in understanding the risk factors and then considering what changes one needs to make in order to be protected from the disease.

In order to prevent Breast Cancer, one must first understand what the risk factors are. In most cases the onset of a cancer happens with next to no symptoms and once the cancer metastasizes or spreads, treating it gets complicated and difficult. This makes Cancer Screening an effective tool to detect the disease before it gets out of hand. Unfortunately, not every type of cancer has screening options – but periodic mammograms can help detect abnormal growths in the breast that can be further evaluated.

 

INHERITED & ACQUIRED BREAST CANCER

 

Yet, nobody can tell why one person develops cancer and the other does not. However, research and studies have revealed that certain genetic mutations increase one’s risk for cancer. For example, we have Proto-oncogenes that help cells grow normally and Tumour Suppressor Genes that monitor cell division and program death of cells. When either of these genes malfunction, cell growth and division can occur at an abnormal rate, leading to cancer. In some cases, such mutations are inherited, increasing one’s risk for cancer. However, it has been found that in the case of Breast Cancer such mutations are acquired which means they develop during the course of the individual’s life as opposed to her having them at the time of birth.

 

RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER

 

  • AGE: Breast cancer is more common amongst women aged 45 and above. Additionally, the chances of breast cancer increase as the woman gets older.
  • GENDER: Breast cancer is the one of the most common cancers to affect women globally. Cases of Male breast cancer are few and very rare.
  • MEDICAL HISTORY: Having a family history of Breast Cancer increases one’s risk. Women with a personal history of breast cancer – invasive, ductal, lobular, and even benign – are at risk as well.
  • GENE MUTATION: Inherited or acquired changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes increases breast cancer risk.
  • REPRODUCTIVE HISTORY: Estrogen is the female hormone that maintains the health and functioning of the reproductive system. Prolonged exposure to this hormone can cause cancer. Hence, women who began their menstrual periods before the age of 12 and those who reach menopause later than 55 years of age are at higher risk.
  • DENSE BREAST TISSUE: Women with dense breasts are at higher risk for breast cancer.
  • HORMONE THERAPY: In order to manage certain symptoms of menopause, women undergo hormone therapy, and this increases cancer risk.
  • OBESITI: Being overweight increases risk for Breast Cancer especially in postmenopausal women.
  • ALCOHOL ABUSE: The risk for breast cancer increases in women who consume too much alcohol on a regular basis.

PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER

 

Reduce breast cancer risk and prevent breast cancer. This is easier said than done. Cancer can silently creep up on an individual and go undetected until it is too late. Hence, there is no harm in understanding the risk factors and then considering what changes one needs to make in order to be protected from the disease.

 

  • AGE: Breast cancer is more common amongst women aged 45 and above. Additionally, the chances of breast cancer increase as the woman gets older.
  • GENDER: Breast cancer is the one of the most common cancers to affect women globally. Cases of Male breast cancer are few and very rare.
  • MEDICAL HISTORY: Having a family history of Breast Cancer increases one’s risk. Women with a personal history of breast cancer – invasive, ductal, lobular, and even benign – are at risk as well.
  • REPRODUCTIVE HISTORY – Pregnancy reduces exposure to female hormones.
  • BREAST FEEDING – The longer you breastfeed the more protective.
  • AVOID/ REDUCE POSTMENOPAUSAL HORMONE THERAPY – Combination Hormone therapy to manage menopausal symptoms can increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • GENETIC TESTING – This can help identify those with gene changes that increase risk for cancer. Find out if you need to undergo the same for early detection of breast cancer.
  • REGULAR EXERCISE – Being physically active helps maintain a healthy body weight and this acts as a major protective factor. It is recommended that postmenopausal women get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week.
  • HEALTHY DIET – A well-defined connection between cancer prevention and diet is yet to be established. However, it does not hurt to eat healthy to improve immunity and overall strength. There are no proven foods to prevent cancer. According to recent studies the Mediterranean Diet is considered healthiest. (More about the Mediterranean Diet:)

Ideally, by reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors one can prevent breast cancer. Routine screening plays an important part in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Hence women aged forty-five and above, must consult with their gynaecologist and discuss their options, in a bid to prevent/ detect the disease.

 

Dr. J. Surendran is the best surgical oncologist in Chennai
Reviewed By:

DR.SURENDRAN.J

SENIOR CONSULTANT – RADIATION ONCOLOGY

MBBS, MD R.T,