Do you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women? Regardless of the family history and inherited genes, the majority of breast cancer incidence occurred due to the changes in the way we live that induce the risk factors for breast cancer. After introducing cancers back in “Hormone imbalance and cancer links”, now let’s look at the causes and preventions we can make on breast cancer.
Causes
The exact cause is unknown, but scientists have listed out risk factors that might increase the chance of having this.
- Gender. Women are more likely to get this cancer than men
- Age. Risk of getting this cancer increase as people age.
- Medical history. Either personal or family history of having breast cancer exposes one to a higher risk of getting this cancer.
- Obesity. Obese people tend to develop breast cancer, probably due to elevated estrogen levels. In addition, obesity can raise insulin levels which linked with an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Alcohol consumption. Drinkers are prone to this cancer. It is recommended no more than 1 drink a day.
- Radiation exposure. People who had undergone radiation treatment may have a higher risk of getting breast cancer later in life.
- Hormone treatment. Women that take hormone therapy that use a combination of estrogen and progesterone to treat the symptoms of menopause have increased risk of breast cancer.
- Early menstruation. Women that had the first period before the age of 12 have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
- Late menopause. women that had their menopause after 55 years old have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
- Giving birth at an older age. Having a first child after 35 may increase the risk of being a breast cancer patient.
Prevention
Sorry to disappoint you, but there is no way to prevent this cancer, but you can lower down the risk by lifestyle decisions. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Thus, take your steps now by making healthy lifestyle choices.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Reduce the amount of alcohol consumed will also help you to maintain your weight.
- Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can help regulate the hormone and deactivate the extra cell activity.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Add different varieties of food groups into your plate in order to get a wide range of nutrients.
- Maintain the good value of body mass index.
- Always do your own self-breast examination. It’s advised women to check their breast monthly- look, feel and move for any abnormalities.
- Ask for breast cancer screening. Earlier detection allows treatment to help you out earlier.
References
- MayoClinic. (2019, November 22). Breast cancer Symptoms & causes. Retrieved 9 December 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
- Adam, F. (2019, August 12). What to know about breast cancer. Retrieved 9 December 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php
- Jaime, H. & Kimberly, H. (2019, February 21). A Comprehensive Guide to Breast Cancer. Retrieved 9 December 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer
