RISK FACTORS In Breast Cancer
RISK FACTORS In Breast Cancer
The cause of breast cancer is not known but we do know some risk factors. It is considered one risk factor which increases the chance of having the disease. It should be remembered that women who have higher risk of breast cancer (by having more risk factors) can take preventive measures to reduce this probability as periodic revisions or changes in your lifestyle.
RISK FACTORS
Sex
Breast cancer occurs mainly in women though. It can also affect men but the probability is much lower.
Age
Increased age leads to an increased number of cancers. 60% of breast tumors occur in women over 60 years. This percentage increases much more after 75 years.
Genes
There are two genes that, when there is a change in them (mutation), associated with an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer. These genes are called BRCA1 and BRCA2, and according to some studies it appears that between 50% and 60% of these women who have inherited mutated genes can develop cancer before the age of 70.
Family history
When a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) had breast cancer doubles the risk of suffering from it. If it is a more distant relative (grandmother, aunt, cousin) only slightly increases the risk.
Personal
Previous benign breast disease seems to increase risk in women who have a large number of mammary ducts. Still, this risk is moderate. Some abnormal breast biopsy may be related to a slightly elevated risk of breast cancer. The risk of developing cancer in the opposite breast in women who have had breast cancer is different from the first recurrence or recurrence of cancer.
Race
White women are more prone to suffer from this disease than the black, although mortality is higher in the latter, probably because they were detected in more advanced stages. Those with lower risk of suffering from it are Hispanic and Asian women.
Menstrual Periods
The sooner it begins with menstruation (before age 12), the greater the risk (two to four times) of having the disease when compared with those who started later (after 14 years). The same occurs with menopause: women with a late menopause (after 55 years) have a higher risk. Pregnancy after age 30 also increases risk. These factors, although very rare, often have little impact on cancer risk.
Factors related to lifestyle
Long-term use of contraceptives
Recent studies have shown that prolonged use of contraceptives is not related to breast cancer.
Hormone replacement
This therapy, which is used to relieve symptoms of menopause appears to increase long-term (more than 10 years) the risk of breast cancer, although studies in this regard are not conclusive dle.
Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol over the years is clearly linked to elevated risk of breast cancer.
Overweight
Excess weight seems to be associated with a higher risk of having this disease, although there is no evidence that a certain type of diet (fat diet) that increase risk.
We must bear in mind these risk factors, and avoid those that can. It should also be aware that, currently, between 70% and 80% of all breast cancers in women without risk factors apply and that only 5% to 10% have a genetic origin because it has mutated BRCA1 genes and BRCA2. At present there are very specific criteria that dictate the conduct of these tests. It is not enough, for example, have a relative with breast cancer (mother or sister) to indicate its completion.
