Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer faced by women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, with approximately 400,000 women dying and more than 1 million cases reported annually. Although breast cancer was traditionally confined to more affluent societies, the numbers are also rising in developing countries due to an increase in smoking and the adoption of a more Western lifestyle that is associated with higher calorie intake, obesity and lack of physical activity.
Who is at Risk?
Early onset of menses and late menopause: Onset of the menstrual cycle prior to the age of 12 and menopause after 50 causes increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Growing Older: The likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age.
Diets high in Saturated Fats: Researches have found that in populations that consume high fat diets, women are more likely to die of breast cancer than in populations that consume low-fat diets. However, it is uncertain whether low-fat diets will actually prevent breast cancer.
Family history of Breast Cancer: Patients with positive family history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing the disease. However,85% of women with breast cancer have negative family history!
Late or No Pregnancies: Pregnancies prior to the age of 26 some-how lowers the risk. Nuns have been found to have a higher incidence of breast cancer.
Moderate Obesity: Studies show that increased body weight after menopause or before the age of 60 may increase your risk.
Steps to prevent Breast Cancer
? One of the first steps you can take is to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible
? Prevention measures should be adopted such as maintaining healthy body weight, exercising regularly, and minimizing alcohol consumption, eating a diet rich fruits and vegetables, and stop smoking.
? Studies have linked breast cancer to birth control pills especially for women below the age 35 who have been using it for more than 10 years. Thus, you may seek advice from the doctor for alternative contraceptive method.
? Apart from that, women are advised to go for a mammogram at least once a year to check if they have any abnormal growth in their breast. Choose the week after your menstrual cycle when your breasts are less tender.
