Breast Cancer Factors That Put You at a Risk

Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women all around the world. With diseases like cancer, the most effective way to ensure they do not turn out to be fatal is early detection and proper treatment. In the case of breast cancer, early detection is possible if you have regular self-breast examination checks. Whenever you notice any kind of abnormality or changes while conducting these checks, you can visit a doctor and get further information. Several breast surgeon Pune can help you analyze the changes and suggest a treatment plan if required. Thus, early detection is the only way to ensure that it does not cause much harm. Risk factors are anything that increases your risk of developing breast cancer. There may be steps you can take to lower your chances, so it is essential to understand these. Risk factors are broadly divided into two categories: (Sources: CDC, breastcancer.org ) 1. Genetic Risk Factors: These risk factors are the ones that cannot be changed. ● Age: Age is one of the most significant risk factors; most breast cancers are diagnosed after the age of 50. ● Family History of Breast Cancer: if you have an immediate blood relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has developed breast cancer, it puts you at a higher risk as well. ● Race: Race also may have a significant role to play in increasing the risks of breast cancer. White women are more likely to develop this disease as compared to African American Women. Asian, Hispanic, and Native American women have a relatively lower chance of developing breast cancer. ● Reproductive History: Women who started their menstrual cycle before the age of 12 and those who experience menopause after the age of 55 have a prolonged exposure to hormones, which increases their risk of getting breast cancer. 2. Environmental and Lifestyle Risk Factors: These are the factors that you can control and change. ● Weight: Being overweight is associated with an increased risk, especially for women after menopause, as compared to those who are within their normal weight range. ● Alcohol Consumption: Studies have shown that the risk of developing breast cancer does increase with the amount of alcohol that a woman consumes. ● Taking Hormones: Some forms of hormone replacement therapy are known to increase the risk of breast cancer among women when taken during the time of menopause. Certain oral contraceptive pills are also known to contribute towards increasing the risk. Understanding the risk factors is essential since it can help you analyze your conditions and also help you to make constructive changes to your lifestyle and environment that may reduce your risks. If you feel concerned or notice any changes, you should visit a Breast Cancer Doctor in Pune or elsewhere for a consultation and rule out any possibilities.