Date：2020-10-07

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Current studies have found that breast cancer can be attributed to poor eating habits, such as excessive drinking, overweight, and lack of physical activity. Studies by the World Health Organization have also shown that long-term intake of estrogen-related medicine can increase the risk of breast cancer. We expose a lot of carcinogenic factors during our lives, some of which are risk factors that we can avoid, and some are risk factors that we cannot control. The article lists various factors that increase the risk of breast cancer:

Risk Factors that we can avoid

As a woman: Although men also can develop breast cancer, but the chance is relatively low. There are only 30 new male breast cancer patients in Hong Kong each year.

Menstruation too early or menopause too late: Menstruation accrue before 12 years old or menopause after 55 years old can increase the chance of breast cancer, due to lengthens the exposure of female hormones.

Family: At the present, there is sufficient documentation on the heredity of breast cancer that a family history of breast cancer can significantly increase the risk of this disease. if a close relative in the family has breast cancer, the chance of getting cancer is 3 times higher than others. If 2 more family members suffered from breast cancer, the risk of getting cancer is 7 times more than others.

Genetic Mutations: If carry BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutated genetics, the risk of developing breast cancer is 10 times higher than others, 10% of the total population of patients with breast cancer is caused by a genetic mutation.

Can the Risk of Breast Cancer be Reduced?

Although some prevention can reduce the risk of breast cancer, it does not reduce mortality. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and early detection can increase the survival rate of breast cancer. A healthy diet such as reduce excess alcohol consumption and exercise can reduce the risk of getting cancer.

However, even if breast cancer prevention measures are taken, 10% of the breast cancer cases still come from hereditary gene mutations. For a patient with a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, it is critical to discuss the need for genetic testing with a specialist as soon as possible.