Breast Cancer Awareness: Discussing Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 287,850 new cases will be diagnosed in women in 2022. Consequently, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer. Due to this cancer’s high prevalence and mortality, there have been initiatives set forth to increase breast cancer awareness through spreading information on the various risk factors of breast cancer.

Various studies conducted have concluded a patient’s risk for developing breast cancer can be due to a combination of factors. Risk factors can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories. The non-modifiable risk factors are factors that cannot be changed. These factors would include: age, genetic predispositions, reproductive history, family history or personal history of breast cancer, radiation therapy exposure, and DES exposure in utero3. Women over the age of 50 and women who also have inherited genetic mutations called BRCA1 and BRCA2 are at an increased risk. Any combination of these non-modifiable factors can increase a patient’s risk for breast cancer and should be screened appropriately by their physician.

Modifiable risk factors are factors that can be changed by the individual, and in doing so, can help lower their risk. Modifiable risk factors would include: physical activity, maintaining healthy weight, alcohol consumption, history of hormone replacement therapy, and smoking3. For example, increasing exercise and decreasing alcohol and smoking could potentially lower the risk for breast cancer.

The CDC defines patients that are considered to be high risk those with a family history of breast cancer or with BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited mutations2. For more information on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, please refer to our previous post!

Decreasing lifestyle-related risk factors could potentially reduce the risk for breast cancer, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for the non-modifiable risk factors. It’s important to consult with your physician to assess your risks and discuss any family history that warrants early screening modalities such as mammograms, MRIs, and genetic testing2.

References:

Breast cancer statistics: How common is breast cancer? American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 26). What is breast cancer screening? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 26). What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/prevention.htm