Even when hearing the words “breast cancer,” many women feel a great deal of fear and anxiety. That’s very normal. But what we’re going to talk about today is not to scare you, but to educate you about it and give you the strength to take care of yourself. Because, knowing the risk factors for a disease is the best way to protect yourself from it. First of all, remember that having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely get cancer. Also, many people who get cancer do not have any of these risk factors. So, let’s talk about this without fear.
What is this 'risk factor'?
Simply put, a risk factor is anything that increases the chance of developing a disease or condition. But it is not a 100% cause. Think of it this way, if you drive a car too fast, you have a higher 'risk' of having an accident. But not everyone who drives too fast has an accident, right? That's how it is with this one. It's important to be aware of these factors, so that we can focus on the things we can change (like lifestyle) and reduce the risk as much as possible.
Let's categorize breast cancer risk.
Breast cancer risk is affected by different factors to varying degrees. Some things increase the risk greatly, while others increase it slightly. Let's look at this table to understand these clearly.
| Risk level | Risk factor | Simple explanation |
|---|---|---|
| High risk | Having had breast cancer before | A person who has been cured of cancer in one breast (e.g., Ductal Carcinoma in Situ – DCIS) has a 3-4 times higher risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. This is not a recurrence of the previous cancer. |
| High risk | Increasing age | The risk increases gradually with age. This condition is most common in women over the age of 40. For example, if one in 69 women between the ages of 40-50 has the risk, by the age of 60-70 it increases to one in 29. |
| Moderate risk | Having a close family member with cancer | If a close relative, such as your mother, sister, or daughter, has had breast cancer, your risk doubles. If two have had it, your risk can be nearly tripled. Also, having a male relative with breast cancer also increases a woman's risk. |
| Moderate risk | Genetic Factors | About 5%-10% of all breast cancers are caused by genetic changes that are inherited, meaning they are passed down through generations. Women with changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at particularly high risk. |
| Moderate risk | Abnormalities in a previous breast biopsy | If a previous biopsy has shown abnormal cell growth, such as Atypical Hyperplasia, your risk may increase by 4-5 times. Your doctor will inform you of this. |
| Slight risk | A number of other factors | • Having cancer in distant relatives: such as an aunt, grandmother, or cousin. • Dense Breasts: The breasts have more fibrous tissue than fat. This can be detected by a mammogram. • Delayed childbearing: Having your first child after age 35 or not having children at all. • Increased exposure to hormones: The body's exposure to estrogen is prolonged due to factors such as puberty before the age of 12 and menopause after the age of 55. • Overweight : Increased body weight and fat accumulation around the abdomen, especially after menopause. • Alcohol use : Even moderate daily alcohol use slightly increases the risk. • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Taking hormone therapy for a long period of time to treat symptoms associated with menopause. • Exposure to radiation : Having received extensive radiation therapy to the chest area as treatment for another cancer condition (e.g. lymphoma), especially at a young age. |
The important thing is, if you have one or more of these risk factors, don't panic. Instead, talk to your doctor about the tests and protection options that are right for you.
These things have now been found to be unrelated to breast cancer.
Some of the beliefs that are prevalent among many people may cause unnecessary fear. However, according to current research, no direct link has been found between the following things and breast cancer.
- Fibrocystic breast changes
- Coffee or caffeine drink
- Use of antiperspirants to prevent underarm sweating
- Wearing underwire bras. (Although many people are afraid of this, current research has not found a link.)
- Hair dye
- Having a miscarriage or abortion
- Breast implants
Things to look for further
Scientists are still researching whether factors such as smoking, a high-fat diet, lack of exercise, and environmental pollution affect breast cancer risk. There are also differing opinions about the use of birth control pills, but no clear conclusion has yet been reached.
But there is some good news: Research has shown that mothers who breastfeed their children have a reduced risk of breast cancer .
Take-Home Message
- Having risk factors does not mean you will develop cancer. Also, someone with no risk factors can develop cancer. So don't be afraid, be aware.
- If anyone in your family (especially your mother, sister, or daughter) has had breast cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
- Since the risk increases with age, it is very important to take care of proper medical checkups and self-breast examinations after the age of 40.
- You can reduce some of the risks that you can control by living a healthy lifestyle (maintaining a good weight, limiting alcohol, exercising).
Breast cancer, cancer risk, women's health, breast screening, cancer genes, breast cancer risk factors sinhala
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