A ‘risk factor’ increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Many of the major breast cancer risk factors are beyond your control, such as age, family history, and medical history. You can control some risk factors like weight, physical activities, alcohol consumption etc. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all of your possible breast cancer risk factors. There may be steps you can take to lower your breast cancer risk, and your doctor can help you figure out a plan. Your doctor should also be aware of other risk factors that you do not control so that he or she has a good understanding of your level of breast cancer risk. This may affect breast cancer screening recommendations – which tests to perform and when to start.If you are looking for the treatment of breast cancer in Siliguri then you can contact Dr. Vishant Deo .
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is caused when the DNA in breast cells mutates or changes. This disables specific functions that control cell growth and division. In many cases, these mutated cells die or are attacked by the immune system. But some cells escape the immune system and grow out of control, forming a tumor in the breast.
The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. Also, those who have inherited mutations in their BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Risk Factors You Cannot Change
- Become older. Breast cancer risk increases with age; most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
- Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have inherited these genetic changes are at a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
- Reproductive history. Early menstrual periods before age 12 and onset of menopause after age 55 expose women to hormones longer, increasing their risk of breast cancer.
- Women with dense breasts. Dense breasts have more connective tissue than adipose tissue, making tumors sometimes difficult to see on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts are more likely to have breast cancer.
- Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions. Women who had breast cancer in past are more likely to get it again. Some non-cancerous breast conditions such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
- Family history of breast cancer. A woman’s risk of breast cancer is higher if she has a mother, sister, or daughter (first-degree relative) or multiple family members on the side of her mother or father of the family who have had breast cancer. Having a first-degree male relative with breast cancer also increases a woman’s risk.
- Previous treatment with radiation therapy. Women who have had radiation therapy to their breasts or breasts before age 30 (such as for the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma) are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
Risk Factors You Can Change
- Not being physically active. Women who are not physically active have a higher risk of breast cancer.
- Being overweight or obese after menopause. Older overweight or obese women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than normal-weight women.
- Taking hormones. Some forms of hormone replacement therapy (containing both estrogen and progesterone) taken during menopause can increase breast cancer risk if taken for more than five years. Certain oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have also been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Reproductive history. Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full pregnancy can increase breast cancer risk.
- Drinking alcohol. Studies show that a woman’s risk of breast cancer increases the more she drinks alcohol.
Where to Get The Treatment of Breast Cancer in Siliguri ?
Breast cancer treatments are getting better, and people have many more options today than ever before. With so many choices, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the ones that can help you the most.
If you are looking for a breast cancer specialist in Siliguri then you can contact me. I am well-experienced in treating breast cancers and have done a lot of such surgeries in the past. Many patients from Siliguri & nearby areas have shown trust in me and now they are spending their lives happily. You can also get in touch with me via Facebook or Instagram for getting help in health-related issues.