10 step guide to understanding breast cancer— Risk factors, genetics and importance of early detection
Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women with multiple risk factors including genetics, early menarche, late menopause, obesity, nulliparity, late childbirth, HRT, radiation exposure, and family history. Diet, lifestyle, and self-examination play key roles in prevention and early detection. Early diagnosis greatly improves outcomes and survival rates.
Breast Anatomy Overview The breasts are modified sweat glands, containing acini that form lobules, which further aggregate to form the lobes. They extend from the second to the sixth rib. Cancer of the breast is one of the most prevalent carcinomas in women, and is responsible for significant mortality. (Image: Canva)
2/10
Demographics and Bilateral Risk This cancer is more commonly seen in developed countries, affecting a median age group of 47 years. The presence of carcinoma in one breast can increase the risk of development of the same in the other breast as well. It can occur in any age group after twenty years of age.(Image: Canva)
3/10
Genetic Predisposition Certain genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA means BReast CArcinoma) are said to point towards a high risk of breast cancer. BRCA1 has a higher risk than BRCA2. Those who have a family history of breast cancer can get checked for these genes to know the risk.(Image: Canva)
4/10
Dietary Influences Diet can also influence the development of breast cancer, and it is seen that those who consume less phytoestrogens, and those whose intake of alcohol is high may have a higher risk. However, foods rich in vitamin C are known to reduce the risk of breast carcinoma.(Image: Canva)
Parity and Pregnancy Parity, that is the number of times a woman has become pregnant, and that pregnancy has crossed the period of viability, can also influence the risk of development of breast cancer. Women who have never been pregnant are more likely to have this condition as compared to women who have had multiple pregnancies.(Image: Canva)
6/10
Menstrual Cycle Factors The menstrual cycle also has a role to play in this. Girls who achieve an early menarche (first menstrual cycle) and women who attain menopause at a later stage (cessation of menstrual cycles) are also at a higher risk. Obesity is also a known factor for influencing and increasing the risk.(Image: Canva)
7/10
Childbearing Age and Breastfeeding The age when one has children must also be considered. Women who bear children and breastfeed babies at an early age have reduced chances of malignancy. However, having children after the age of thirty-five years (first child) comes with an increased risk.(Image: Canva)
8/10
Family History and Radiation Exposure A detailed family history will be taken by the healthcare provider, especially about first-degree relatives (mother/sister). If a first-degree relative has breast cancer, the risk is three to five times more than normal. Therapeutic exposure to radiation (especially for conditions like Hodgkin’s lymphoma) can predispose to carcinoma breast (especially when given at a younger age).(Image: Canva)
Hormonal Therapy and Other Cancers Women who have been taking hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for more than five years also have an increased risk of having this malignant condition. A prior history of other cancers like uterine or ovarian or even colonic cancers has been implicated.(Image: Canva)
10/10
elf-Examination and Early Detection Breast self-examination is a method to check your breasts for any changes or abnormalities, as breast cancer may initially only present as a lump in the breast. Detecting any changes to the nipple-areolar complex, and orange-peel appearance of the breast must be noted and informed timely to the healthcare provider.(Image: Canva)
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
