There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year. Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries. In Cameroon and other Sub-Saharan Countries the incidence has been rising up steadily in the last years due to increase in life expectancy, increase urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles. Currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.
Risk factors of Breast Cancer
Anything that increases the risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Find out about the things that increase the risk of breast cancer, including lifestyle factors, hormone levels, and certain medical conditions:
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Obesity (Overweight)
Women who are overweight after their menopause have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who are not overweight. Men also have an increased risk of breast cancer if they are overweight or obese.
Being overweight means having a body mass index (BMI) of between 25 and 30. Obesity means being very overweight with a BMI of 30 or higher. Try to keep a healthy weight by being physically active and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
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Alcohol
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with each extra unit of alcohol per day.
How much alcohol is enough? Read more here -
Hormone treatments
The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral birth control pills have been linked to breast cancer, due to increased levels of estrogen.
High levels of natural hormones can increase our risk of some cancers, such as breast. Some medical treatments, including hormone replacement therapy and the contraceptive Pill, work by increasing levels of certain hormones.
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Age
The risk increases with age. At 20 years, the chance of developing breast cancer in the next decade is 0.6 percent. By the age of 70 years, this figure goes up to 3.84 percent.
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Family history and genetics
If a close relative has or has had, breast cancer, the risk is higher. Some people have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than the general population because other members of their family have had particular cancers. This is called a family history of cancer.Having a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer approximately doubles the risk of breast cancer. This risk is higher when more close relatives have breast cancer, or if a relative developed breast cancer under the age of 50.
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Radiation
Exposure to radiation is known to increase the risk of many types of cancer. Most of us are never exposed to enough radiation to make much difference to our risk.
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Dense breast tissues
Breast cancer risk is higher in women with the most dense breast tissue compared to less dense tissue. Women with dense breast tissue have less fat and more breast cells and connective tissue in their breasts.
Prevention of Breast Cancer
Making changes in your daily life may help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Try to:
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Become familiar with your breasts through breast self-exam for breast awareness.
Women may choose to become familiar with their breasts by occasionally inspecting their breasts during a breast self-exam for breast awareness. If there is a new change, lumps or other unusual signs in your breasts, talk to your doctor promptly.
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Maintain a healthy weight.
If your weight is healthy, work to maintain that weight. Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of exercise.
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Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day, if you choose to drink. Above all,
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Ask your doctor about breast cancer screening.
Discuss with a doctor when to begin breast cancer screening exams and tests, such as clinical breast exams and mammograms. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening. Together, you can decide what breast cancer screening strategies are right for you.
