Globally, an estimated 9 million women are diagnosed with cancer, and more than 4 million succumb to the disease. Two-thirds of all cancer diagnoses in young adults are among women aged 20–49 years. This age group is economically and socially relevant in the community matrix, impacting the lives and livelihoods of families and society. A 2023 study by the Lancet Commission, ‘Women, Power, and Cancer,’ reported that more than 60% of women’s cancer deaths in India are preventable. Meanwhile, 37% of women’s cancer deaths in India can be averted with treatment. The report further states around 6.9 million cancer deaths in Indian women were preventable and approximately 4 million were treatable.
Among the astounding numbers of cancers in India, the incidence of breast cancer has increased significantly. As per 2020 study, breast cancer accounted for 13.5% of all cancer and around 10.6% of all deaths. Simply put, 1 in every 28 women in India is likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. This number is alarming, given the significant advances in breast cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment in the last 50 years.
So, what can we, as a medical fraternity, do?
Raise Awareness. While there is no definite way to prevent breast cancer, raising awareness about the risk factors is a step in the right direction. Breast Cancer is influenced by genetics, hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors. However, scientists believe a complex interaction between a woman’s genetic makeup and the environment around her causes breast cancer. Let’s understand the factors that significantly increase women’s risk of breast cancer.
Genetic Risk Factors
Gender – Individuals born female are at a higher risk of breast cancer than those born male. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 0.5–1 percent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in males.
Heredity – Women with a family member suffering from breast cancer are more likely to develop it. At the same time, women who are genetically predisposed are at greater risk. About 5 to 10 percent of cases are caused by hereditary gene mutation.
Hormonal – The risk of developing breast cancer is higher for women who start menstruation at a younger age and menopause at a later age. Not having given birth increases the risk as breast cells are exposed to estrogen and progesterone for extended periods.
Age – Age is the most prominent risk factor for breast cancer. It is most common in females over the age of 50 years and most often diagnosed at 65 to 74 years. The median age of breast cancer diagnosis is 49 years.
External Risk Factors
Diet – An unhealthful diet increases the risk and progression of breast cancer. Food groups such as processed meats, fried products and sugary food increase the risk multiple times.
Alcohol – Epidemiologic studies have consistently found an increased risk of breast cancer with increasing alcohol intake
Smoking – The use of tobacco and nicotine products increases the risk of breast cancer. The longer the period of smoking, or even exposure to passive smoking, along with genetic predisposition, increases the risk to a greater degree.
Medication – Some forms of hormone replacement therapy, those that include both estrogen and progesterone taken during menopause can raise risk for breast cancer when taken for more than five years. Certain oral contraceptives (birth control pills) also have been found to raise breast cancer risk.
As outlined above, many factors can cause breast cancer. You cannot control everything. However, you can lower your risk of breast cancer by eating healthy, staying active, limiting alcohol, and quitting tobacco. Women can even reduce their breast cancer risk by regular preventive screening and being vigilant about changes in their breast structure. When you feel or notice any physical changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or discoloration, or skin changes, consult your doctor immediately.
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