October is celebrated as breast cancer Awareness MonthThe purpose of this month is to spread awareness breast cancer And how the disease affects a person’s health and well-being. Breast cancer is a type of cancer in which cancer cells develop in one or both breasts. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally.

There are several factors that increase your risk of breast cancer. When you understand them and take the necessary steps, it can help reduce the risks of developing the disease. These may be genetic factors, lifestyle factors or hormonal factors. Here, take a look at some of the factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer.

genetic mutation

Inherited gene mutations, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. These mutations can be passed on from either parent, and women with these mutations are more likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Other gene mutations such as PALB2, TP53, and CHEK2 also contribute, although less commonly.

family history

The risk increases for women whose close family member (mother, sister, daughter) has had breast cancer. Having multiple relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, especially at an early age, further increases the risk. However, there are many women with breast cancer who have no family history. This means that there are many other factors involved as well.

age

Age is one of the most important risk factors for breast cancer. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50, as the risk increases with age. Hormonal changes, accumulated DNA damage, and other biological factors contribute to this.

hormonal factors

Long-term exposure to estrogen increases the risk of breast cancer. Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55) and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially estrogen-progesterone combinations are all associated with increased risk.

reproductive history

The risk of breast cancer increases in women who have not had children or who have their first child after the age of 30. Pregnancy and breast-feeding help provide some protective effects. Multiple pregnancies and early delivery can help reduce the risk.

lifestyle factors

Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, increases the risk of breast cancer. Physical inactivity and poor dietary choices also contribute to weight gain, increasing the risk. On the other hand, regular exercise helps reduce the risk by controlling body weight and hormone levels.

alcohol abuse

Drinking alcohol, even in moderate amounts, increases the risk of breast cancer by affecting hormone levels, especially increasing estrogen. Alcohol also damages DNA, causing DNA damage risk of breast cancer,

exposed to radiation

Radiation exposure, especially to the chest area during childhood or adolescence (such as radiation therapy for lymphoma), is a risk factor. The lower the exposure, the greater the risk of developing breast cancer later in life.

dense breast tissue

Women who have dense breasts, meaning they have more glandular tissue than fatty tissue, have a higher risk of breast cancer. The dense tissue makes the tumor difficult to detect on a mammogram, complicating early diagnosis.

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