Risk Factors and Importance of Early Screening Techniques in Breast Cancer

According to the CDC, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and the most frequent cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Because of these alarming statistics, there have been enormous efforts to increase research, education, and screening for breast cancer.

Research has shown that a person’s risk for developing breast cancer is influenced by a combination of risk factors. According to multiple resources, the two most profound risk factors are age over 50 and being a woman. In this post, several modifiable risk factors, as well as a screening option are discussed to help all women, regardless of age, race, social, or economic status reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.

One of the more common, modifiable risk factors for breast cancer in women is obesity. In two separate studies, research indicated that women with a higher BMI experienced a higher risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, specifically estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Many believe the mechanism of increased risk may be caused by higher estrogen levels resulting from conversion of fatty tissue to estrogen. One way postmenopausal women can reduce their risk of breast cancer is by maintaining a healthy weight and body fat percentage. This can be achieved by staying active and maintaining a healthy diet.

Additionally, two more modifiable risk factors that all women can focus on are smoking and alcohol consumption. Although not all research points to a relationship between smoking and breast cancer, multiple studies do suggest that there is an increased risk of breast cancer in smokers. On the other hand, studies on alcohol consumption and breast cancer have consistently shown that alcohol consumption increases women’s risk of developing breast cancer. One study suggests that individuals consuming low (<1 drink per day) and high (>3 drinks per day) levels of alcohol per day are at higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to people who abstain from alcohol.

An overwhelming majority of research points to the mammogram as the preferred method of breast cancer screening. Mammograms are the only imaging technique that have been shown to decrease breast cancer mortality. Frequency of mammogram screenings for women depends on the risk factor category they fall into: average, moderate, or high. These risk factor categories are based on several factors including age, family history of breast cancer, presence or absence of genetic mutations and modifiable risk factors. This is why it is so important for women to speak with their primary care providers about breast cancer and their respective frequency of mammogram screening.

Reducing modifiable risk factors and early detection of breast cancer have proven to be extremely important in the fight toward reducing mortality due to breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy BMI and body fat percentage, as well as abstaining from alcohol and smoking, can reduce a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer. In addition, providing easily attainable early screening techniques such as mammograms helps reduce the risk of mortality in women that may develop breast cancer. For these reasons, we should be encouraging all women to live healthy lifestyles and receive adequate screenings.

References:

“Breast Cancer Statistics.” Center for Disease Control (CDC), 8 June. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm

Chlebowski, Rowan. “Factors that modify breast cancer risk in women.” UpToDate, 13 May. 2021,

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/factors-that-modify-breast-cancer-risk-in-women?search=risk%20factors%20for%20breast%20cancer&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

Elmore, Joann. “Screening for breast cancer: Strategies and Recommendations.” UpToDate, 20 April. 2021, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/screening-for-breast-cancer-strategies-and-recommendations?search=breast%20cancer%20screening&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~129&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H4137039259

Mukamal, Kenneth. “Overview of the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption.” UpToDate, 28 January. 2022, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-risks-and-benefits-of-alcohol-consumption?sectionName=Breast%20cancer&search=risk%20factors%20for%20breast%20cancer&topicRef=792&anchor=H10&source=see_link#H10

“National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.” American Cancer Society, 21 July. 2020, https://www.cancer.org/treatment/finding-and-paying-for-treatment/understanding-health-insurance/government-funded-programs/nbccedp.html#:~:text=The%20National%20Breast%20and%20Cervical%20Cancer%20Early%20Detection,usually%20get%20treatment%20through%20their%20state%E2%80%99s%20Medicaid%20program.

“What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?” Center for Disease Control (CDC), 20 September. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm