Breast Cancer – Deeper Insight On How To Prevent Breast Cancer

Did you know that reducing breast cancer mortality by 2.5% every year would prevent 25% of breast cancer deaths by 2030s and 40% by 2040? It is well known that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.According to American Cancer Society’s estimates, at least 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2022. Further, about 43,250 women will die from breast cancer. The disease has  many risk factors including age, family history, personal history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue, and others.

There is no one “best” way to reduce your risk of the disease. However, by making healthy lifestyle choices and getting regular screenings, you can greatly reduce your risk.

 2. Causes of breast cancer :

There are many possible causes of the disease, but the two most common are genetics and hormones.

• • • Genetics can play a role in whether or not a woman develops breast cancer. If a woman has a family member who has had the disease, she is more likely to develop cancer herself. Additionally, certain genetic mutations can increase the risk of the disease.
    • Hormones can also affect the development of the disorder. For example, women who have a history of early menstruation, late menopause, or no children are at a higher risk for the disease. Additionally, women who take hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills are also at an increased risk.

3. Risk factors :

There are many risk factors for breast cancer, but some are more significant than others.

• Age is the most significant risk factor, with the majority of cases occurring in women over the age of 50. Family history is also a significant risk factor, with women who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer having a two to three times greater risk of developing the disease themselves.
• Other risk factors include obesity, alcohol consumption, and certain hormone therapies.

While some of these risk factors cannot be changed, others (such as weight and alcohol consumption) can be modified to help reduce your risk of developing the disease.

4. Prevention of breast cancer :

There are many things women can do to reduce their risk of developing the disease. Some of the best ways to prevent the disease development are:

• • • Maintaining a healthy weight – Obesity is a risk factor for developing breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk.
    • Getting regular exercise – Exercise has many health benefits, including reducing your risk of breast cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
    • Limiting alcohol consumption – Drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing the disease. If you do drink, limit yourself to no more than one drink per day.
    • Avoiding tobacco – Tobacco use is linked to an increased risk of developing the disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to reduce your risk.

5. Treatment of breast cancer :

There are different ways to treat the disease, depending on its type and stage. The most common treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

• • • Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the stage of the disease. The most common type of surgery is a lumpectomy, which is a surgery to remove the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue. A mastectomy is a surgery to remove the entire breast.
    • Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.  The process is executed after a surgery to kill any cancer cells that may remain in the area.
    • Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is normally infused into a vein or as pills. It is often given with radiation therapy.

6. Conclusion :

There are many different ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer, and the best approach depends on your individual risk factors. Some simple lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight,  exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking can make a big difference. Additionally, women should have regular mammograms and breast exams. If you have a family history of the disease, you may need to take additional steps, such as undergoing genetic testing or taking preventive medications. No matter what your situation, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your risk.