Surgeon shares what women can and cannot control regarding breast cancer risks

Breast cancer cases have increased over the last two decades, with the disease developing through a combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental and lifestyle factors, according to surgeon Dr Tapti Sen. In Asian countries like India, the disease often appears in younger women compared to Western countries, making timely checks very important.

Uncontrollable Factors

Age is a major risk factor since the risk grows as a woman gets older, though younger women are still at risk. Family history matters too, especially if a close relative like a mother, sister or daughter had the disease at a young age. Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 raise the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. Other fixed factors include a personal history of chest radiation therapy at a young age and certain benign breast conditions. Hormonal and reproductive factors also play a part, including combined hormone therapy after menopause and certain hormonal contraceptives, though women should talk to a doctor before stopping any prescribed medicine.

Lifestyle Factors

Women can work on several lifestyle choices to help manage their risk. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity is important, especially after menopause. Drinking alcohol raises the risk, so limiting or avoiding it helps. Smoking is also linked to cancer and quitting is a vital step.

Context

Understanding these risk factors helps women focus their efforts on lifestyle choices they can change while keeping up with regular medical screenings. Having risk factors does not mean a woman will definitely get the disease, and women without obvious risks can still develop it.