When we hear about breast cancer, many women feel a little scared and nervous, right? That fear increases even more when we hear that a close relative has been diagnosed with this disease. However, rather than being unnecessarily afraid of this, the most important thing is to know exactly what the risk factors are and what we can change about them. Then we can take the necessary steps to stay healthy. Let's talk about this in detail and very simply today.
What is a 'Risk Factor'?
Simply put, a risk factor is anything that increases the chance or likelihood of developing a disease. But there is something very important that we all need to understand here.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop cancer. Also, sometimes women with no risk factors can develop breast cancer.
Imagine, vehicles are speeding on the road. That's a risk factor for an accident. But not everyone on that road has an accident, right? That's the same thing. It's important to be aware of these factors because it helps us reduce that risk as much as possible.
How is breast cancer risk categorized?
The factors that contribute to breast cancer are not all the same. Some factors increase the risk significantly, while others increase it only slightly. Let's understand these clearly with a table.
| Risk level | Risk factor | A simple explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Very high risk | Having had breast cancer before | A person who has been cured of cancer in one breast (e.g. DCIS or Invasive Cancer) has a 3-4 times higher risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. |
| Very high risk | Aging | The risk increases with age. It is most common in women over the age of 45. While one in 69 women between the ages of 40 and 50 is at risk, it increases to one in 29 between the ages of 60 and 70. |
| Moderate risk | Having cancer in close family members | If a close relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, has breast cancer, the risk doubles. If two have it, the risk triples. The risk is even higher if a male in the family has breast cancer. |
| Moderate risk | Genetics | About 5-10% of breast cancers are caused by inherited genetic changes. The risk is particularly high in those with changes in the genes (BRCA1) and (BRCA2) . |
| Moderate risk | Abnormalities in a breast biopsy | If the results of a previous biopsy show a condition like Atypical Hyperplasia, the risk can increase by 4-5 times. |
| Slightly higher risk | Lifestyle-related matters | Having your first child after age 35, not having children, starting puberty before age 12, menopause after age 55, extreme obesity (especially around the waist), and alcohol use. |
| Slightly higher risk | Other points | Having dense breasts, being exposed to excessive radiation at a young age, taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a long time. |
A little more about family history and the influence of genes
This is something that many people struggle with. Many people have the fear of "Mom had it, will it happen to me too?"
A first-degree relative is your mother, sister, or daughter . If someone like this has had breast cancer, your risk is higher than others. This is especially true if that person developed the cancer before menopause and had cancer in both breasts.
The same goes for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes . These are actually cancer-suppressing genes. But if a mutation or change in these genes is passed down through generations, the risk of developing cancer increases significantly. If several members of your family have had breast cancer or ovarian cancer, it is worth talking to your doctor and discussing whether you need this genetic test.
How our lifestyle increases risk
While there are things we cannot change (age, genes), there are also things we can control to some extent.
- Body weight: Being overweight, especially after menopause, increases your risk because fat cells in your body produce more of the hormone estrogen , which can help some types of breast cancer grow. That's why it's important to maintain a healthy weight.
- Alcohol use : People who drink alcohol daily are at slightly higher risk than those who don't. The risk increases with increasing amounts.
- Childbirth and the menstrual cycle : Before 12 years of agePuberty, menopause after age 55, having your first child after age 35, or not having children at all increase the amount of time your body is exposed to the hormone estrogen. This also increases your risk slightly. However, keep in mind that breastfeeding can reduce this risk to some extent.
Don't be afraid of these: Things that are not related to risk
There are many misconceptions about breast cancer in society. It has not been scientifically proven that these things cause cancer.
- Wearing underwire bras
- Use of deodorants or antiperspirants
- Drinking coffee or caffeine
- Using hair dyes
- Having an abortion or miscarriage
- Breast implants
Don't be unnecessarily afraid of things like this. If in doubt, the most reliable source is your doctor .
Take-Home Message
- Having risk factors for breast cancer doesn't mean you will get cancer. It just increases the likelihood.
- Be aware of your family's cancer history. Discuss this with your doctor, especially if you have close relatives like your mother, sister, or daughter.
- Although there are factors we cannot change, such as age and genes, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and limiting alcohol can reduce the risk.
- Don't be fooled by misconceptions, and consult your doctor for accurate information regarding any health issue.
- It is very important to have regular breast self-examinations and medical tests (such as mammograms) that are appropriate for your age.
Breast cancer, breast cancer, cancer risk, women's health,BRCA genes , cancer characteristics, family history
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