Health and Lifestyle

Understanding the Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Dr. Veena Madhankumar

Dec 7, 2021 — 3 min read

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in women. Though we cannot control the occurrence of breast cancer, we can always reduce the chances of getting one. Please take out time to read the following risk factors and reduce your chances of developing breast cancer.

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1) Family History

Do you know that one-tenth of all breast cancer cases have a familial origin? Yes, having a family history of breast cancer places you in the risk group. The risk is higher if any first-degree relative has it, and it is even higher when there is a prior occurrence of breast cancer in the same person. Screening tests come to help in such cases. Get your screening done periodically because early diagnosis saves lives.

2) Exposure to Endogenous Sex Hormones

Women are constantly exposed to sex hormones like progesterone and estrogen throughout their life. And so, being a woman itself increases your risk of breast cancer. The exposure to these hormones increases if you attain early menarche, your menopause is delayed, or you have not breastfed in your life.

3) Smoking

Are you someone who smokes or thinking of trying it? Please remember, smoking increases your risk of developing breast cancer. If you have started smoking either due to peer pressure or personal interest, please stop it now to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

4) Alcohol

Although not as high as smoking, alcohol intake also shares some risk for developing breast cancer. Stopped alcohol consumption already? You are on the right track because breast cancer incidence is almost zero in individuals who have stopped alcohol consumption. Have you not stopped? Why stick to a risk that you know beforehand?

5) Exogenous Hormone Exposure

Taking hormonal contraceptives or hormonal replacement therapy containing Estrogen and Progesterone places your chances a bit higher than those who do not take it. Do not take these without a proper risk assessment by your doctor. Choose other alternatives instead.

With the advancements in the medical field, treatment for breast cancer has become much more feasible when diagnosed early. Do not take the risk factors for granted and do all that is possible to your strength to avoid one.

Content published on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek information from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website.

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