October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of this complex disease and to share information through various mediums to inform people about its causes, treatment, and cure. Since 1985, individuals, businesses, and communities have come together every October to show their support for the many people affected by breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be a time to reflect, give back, or even celebrate.
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Noncancerous breast changes appear to be more common in women with a family history of breast cancer. There are several factors associated with benign breast problems; one study examined women ages 40 to 69 who received screening mammograms. Of this group, some women were found to have benign breast conditions during the average 35-year follow-up period. The researchers found the following factors were linked to an increased risk of specific benign breast problems:
A family history of breast cancer. Premenopausal women with a family history of the disease were twice as likely to develop a noncancerous abnormal cell growth called epithelial proliferation with atypia (EPA). This condition can raise breast cancer risk. They also were more likely to have several benign breast conditions that don't generally increase cancer risk.
* Flat epithelia atypia occurs when abnormal-looking (or “atypical”) cells line up in columns along the insides of the terminal duct lobular unit.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy. Women who used hormones after menopause had higher rates of EPA and two other benign conditions that don't raise cancer risk. This was compared with women who did not use hormones. The authors pointed out that more research is needed to determine the impact of taking hormones.
The study also linked several factors to lower rates of benign breast conditions:
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Obesity. Noncancerous breast conditions were less likely to develop in women who were obese than in women of normal weight, except for epithelial proliferation (EP), another type of abnormal cell growth, like EPA but without atypical cells. It can also raise the risk of breast cancer (but less so than EPA).
Obstacles to giving birth or inability to do so -Premenopausal women who had not given birth were less likely to develop EP epithelial proliferation than women who had borne three or more children. However, they were more likely to develop fluid-filled cysts.
Use of oral contraceptives. Women who took birth control pills were less likely to develop breast growth called fibroadenoma with atypia, fibrocystic changes, and cysts than those who did not take the pills.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, as one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. However, there is a high chance of recovery if we detect it in its early stages. During October, PRIME HEALTH supports the international Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with special ultrasounds, mammograms & Gynecological consultation screenings, health talks, participating in community events.
Most women with breast cancer will never be able to pinpoint an exact cause. However, women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. A risk factor may increase the chance of getting a disease. A risk factor does not mean a woman will get breast cancer.
The oncology and surgical departments at Prime Hospital are fully equipped to examine and treat all cases. This includes Breast cancer screening, Surgical treatment, Chemotherapy & Hormone therapy, Evaluation for hereditary cancers, and supportive care services during breast cancer treatment like physiotherapy and dietician consultation.
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Note - This blog does not provide direct medical advice and does not replace the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals.
Source- Harvard Health, WHO, Medscape, Breast cancer org.
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