Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: How smoking, poor diet, obesity increase cancer risk

Women can develop breast cancer when cells in the breast start growing uncontrollably, forming a lump or tumour. These cancerous cells can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Detecting breast cancer early greatly increases the chances of effective treatment and recovery.

Breast cancer is on the rise, with over 160,000 new cases diagnosed every year in India alone. This increasing prevalence can be attributed to several lifestyle factors, including obesity, sedentary routines, poor dietary habits, smoking and higher alcohol consumption, among others, says Dr Indu Bansal Aggarwal, Group Director and HOD of Radiation Oncology at Paras Health, Gurugram. She warns that obesity is a significant risk factor. “The extra body fat raises estrogen levels, which is linked to the development of breast cancer. Besides, hormonal changes, like not breast feeding the baby, not having children, delayed pregnancies and prolonged hormone replacement therapy, also contribute to the risk,” she says.

Many women may not notice the early signs of breast cancer until the symptoms worsen. “It could start with subtle changes like painless lump in the breast or armpit, persistent swelling in one breast, discomfort in the armpit, a small dimple in the breast skin, an inverted nipple, or or unusual nipple discharge or bleeding. Get these signs checked by a doctor immediately,” says Dr Aggarwal.

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These 5 everyday habits can increase breast cancer risk, according to the expert.

• Sitting too much: Sitting for long hours without much physical activity can raise the risk of breast cancer. For example, spending all day at a desk job or binge-watching TV without any exercise may contribute to weight gain, which can increase cancer risk.

• Eating junk food: Regularly eating fast food, processed snacks, and sugary drinks can harm your health. For instance, grabbing a burger and fries every day for lunch instead of having a salad or grilled veggies adds unhealthy fats that may raise the chance of developing breast cancer.

• Drinking alcohol often: Drinking alcohol, even a few times a week, can increase the risk. For example, enjoying a glass of wine every evening may not seem harmful, but over time, even small amounts of alcohol can increase the likelihood of breast cancer.

• Gaining weight after menopause: If you gain weight as you age, especially after menopause, it can lead to higher breast cancer risk. For instance, carrying extra weight in your 50s or 60s increases estrogen levels in your body, which can fuel certain types of breast cancer.

• Hormone changes from delaying pregnancy: Waiting until later in life to have children or taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase your risk. For example, women who have their first child after age 30 or use HRT for several years may have a higher chance of developing breast cancer.