BREAST CANCER

ARE YOU PRONE TO BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer can affect anyone. However, some women might be more prone to it. Here are some factors than increase the risk.

PCPS / PCOD

Breast Cancer can also be caused due to hormonal imbalance, says cancer specialist. Hence, having PCOS (Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome). PCOS is a condition where ovulation does not take place and the unripe eggs remain in the ovaries. PCOD (Poly cystic Ovarian Disease) could also increase the risk of breast cancer as it is caused due to hormonal imbalances.

Breast cancer has been linked to the production of the female hormone oestrogen. O estrogen is counteracted by the hormone progesterone, which is produced in surge during ovulation. Since women suffering from PCOS skip ovulation's, this progesterone surge does not occur, leading to the unchecked rise in the oestrongen levels. Hence women with PCOS have oestrogen dominance in their body and are more prone to cancers like the one of the breast.

“PCOD patients also tend to be obese; another reason that might put them at a risk of breast cancer, “says experts. “Women must try to maintain their ideal weight. Obese women tend to succumb to breast cancer more often than those who are not,” he adds.

In most cases, cancer caused due to hormonal imbalances can be cured with medication that inhibits the production of these hormones.

NON – BREASTFEEDING / NON- CHILDBEARING

“Breastfeeding causes you progesterone levels to go up and tells your body that your hormones are functioning normally,” says experts, Progesterone protects women from breast cancer. It also keeps the breast nerves and cells active, making them stronger and more resistant to cancer-related mutations.

GENETIC MUTATION

Two genes – BRCA1 (breast cancer 1) and BRCA 2 (breast cancer 2) – are associated with breast cancer. These are tumour suppressor genes that prevent cells from being cancerous. However, mutations in these genes could make you more prone to getting breast cancer. This abnormality could be passed on to your children putting them at risk too.

The BRCA genes are not the only genes associated with breast cancer and heredity but they are considered the most prominent ones so far.

A HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER

Women, who have had cancer in one breast, are likely to get it in the other. “The cause may be the same as that which led to the cancer the first time,” say experts, breast cancer specialist.

Women who may have got the cancer due to abnormal fences, hormonal imbalance or otherwise could have a relapse too. “It is advisable for them to go for check-ups more frequently than others”, expert Doctors adds.

EXPOSURE TO RADIATION

“Today, thanks to technology, we are exposed to radiation everywhere – computers, phones and television too. Exposure to these radiations makes a person more prone to cancer”, says.

Also, working in a work atmosphere that exposes you to high radiation (excessive X – rays or other radiations) puts you at a greater risk.