What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

Studies have shown that the risk of breast cancer is due to a combination of factors. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will definitely get the disease, and not all risk factors have an equal impact. If you have risk factors for breast cancer, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk and get screened for breast cancer.

Breast cancer occurs when certain breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide faster than healthy cells and continue to accumulate, forming a mass. The cells can spread (metastasize) from the breast to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer usually starts with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive breast cancer). Breast cancer can also start in glandular tissue called lobules (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma) or in other cells or tissues in the breast.
Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that can increase breast cancer risk. But it still doesn't explain why some people with no risk factors still get cancer, but others with risk factors never develop cancer. It is likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interplay of genetic makeup and environment.

2.1 Risk factors that cannot be changed Getting older: The risk of breast cancer increases with age; Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50. Gene mutations: Women who have inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes from their parents, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer than those who have not. have these mutant genes. Reproductive history: Early menarche before age 12 and onset of menopause after age 55 exposes women to longer hormone exposure, increasing their risk of breast cancer. Having dense breast density: Thick breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, which can sometimes make it difficult to see a lump on a mammogram. Women with thick breasts are more likely to get breast cancer. Personal history of breast cancer or certain noncancerous breast diseases. Women with breast cancer are more likely to have a second breast cancer. Certain noncancerous breast diseases such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Family history of breast cancer: A woman has a higher risk of developing breast cancer if she has a mother, sister, or daughter (first-degree relative) or more family members or relatives On the mother's or father's side, someone has breast cancer. Having a first-degree male with breast cancer also increases the risk of breast cancer in women, for example, a father with breast cancer will increase the risk of breast cancer in this father's daughter. Radiation therapy: Women who have had radiation therapy to the chest or breast (such as for Hodgkin lymphoma) before age 30 have a higher risk of breast cancer later in life. Women taking the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), which was given to some pregnant women in the United States between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage, have an increased risk of breast cancer. Women whose mothers took DES during pregnancy also have an increased risk of breast cancer.

2.2 Modifiable risk factors Physical inactivity. Women who are physically inactive have a higher risk of breast cancer. Being overweight or obese after menopause. Older women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of breast cancer than those of normal weight. Use hormones. Certain forms of hormone replacement therapy (including estrogen and progesterone) taken during menopause may increase the risk of breast cancer when taken for more than five years. Certain oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have also been found to increase the risk of breast cancer. Reproductive history. Having your first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding exclusively, and not being pregnant to full term can increase your risk of breast cancer. Drink alcohol. Studies show that women have an increased risk of breast cancer when they drink more alcohol. Research shows that other factors such as smoking, exposure to cancer-causing chemicals and changes in hormones caused by shift work can also increase breast cancer risk.

People with a strong family history of breast cancer or genetic changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may be at increased risk for breast cancer. In addition, these subjects may also have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Therefore, for high-risk cases, the doctor will advise these women about ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer, such as using drugs that block or reduce estrogen in the body. or surgery.

Early cancer screening is considered a perfect measure in the timely detection and treatment of all types of cancer. Reduce the cost of treatment and especially reduce the mortality rate in patients. Vinmec International General Hospital always deploys and introduces to customers a HIGH-TECH CANCER CHECKLIST PACKAGE to help with gene testing, imaging, and biomarkers for early tumor detection. Vinmec International General Hospital has many early cancer screening packages. Only one gene test can assess the risk of 16 common cancers in both men and women (lung cancer, colon cancer). rectal cancer , breast cancer , pancreatic cancer , cervical cancer , stomach cancer , prostate cancer ,....)
Early detection of early signs of cancer through diagnosis imaging, endoscopy and ultrasound. The operation is simple, careful and accurate. A team of well-trained specialists, especially in oncology, are capable of handling cancer cases. With facilities, advanced and modern medical equipment and a team of doctors with deep expertise and experience. At Vinmec, the examination process becomes fast with accurate results, saving costs and time for patients.
To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register online HERE.
References: cdc.gov, mayoclinic.org

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