Every year, the U.S. sees approximately 240,000 breast cancer diagnoses in women and 2,100 in men, leading to about 42,000 female and 500 male fatalities. However, research shows that taking proactive steps can make a difference in determining one’s wellness and outcomes.
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, let’s focus on preventive measures and deepen our understanding of this potentially deadly disease. This article will explore key breast cancer risk factors, prevalent types, and strategies to protect your health for years to come.
Breast Cancer: Common Risk Factors
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 12.9% of women are likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lives. Estimates suggest that a woman born today has a 1 in 8 chance of receiving this diagnosis, but a 7 in 8 chance of avoiding it.
Despite these statistics, breast cancer cases are on the rise, and insufficient awareness is largely to blame, as highlighted by a recent study in the Journal of Business Research. It’s important to keep the following key risk factors in mind:
Age
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. The majority of invasive cases are identified in women over the age of 50, affecting 1 in 42 women in this age group. Conversely, only 1 in 204 women under the age of 30 face this diagnosis.
Obesity or Excess Weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. Excess weight also statistically increases the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
Fat tissue produces excess estrogen, a hormone linked to elevated risks of several cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer.
Physical Inactivity
Regular exercise is essential in reducing the risk of breast cancer, especially post-menopause. Physical activity helps regulate hormones, including estrogen and insulin, known to promote breast cancer growth.
Consistent exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, further regulating hormones and boosting the immune system, which are key factors in fighting cancer.
Dense Breasts
Having dense breasts can increase the risk of breast cancer, potentially due to the greater number of cells that could become abnormal. The high connective tissue content, relative to fatty tissue, also complicates tumor detection.
Not Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding may modestly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Studies suggest a 4.3% decrease for every 12 months of breastfeeding and a 7% drop with each birth.
While the reason for this isn’t entirely clear, breastfeeding often leads to hormonal changes that delay menstrual cycles, reducing prolonged exposure to estrogen, a hormone known to promote certain kinds of breast cancer growth.
Genetics
Studies show that certain inherited gene mutations, namely BRCA1 and BRCA2, can significantly increase susceptibility to breast cancer.
While only 5-10% of breast cancers are linked to these mutations, women with these mutations can face up to a 72% lifetime risk of both breast cancer and ovarian cancer. A family history, especially in immediate female relatives like mothers and sisters, can also double the risk of breast cancer.
If there is evidence of a hereditary predisposition in your family, consider genetic counseling. Recognizing these genetic conditions early can lead to tailored discussions on screenings and preventive strategies.
Drinking Alcohol
Moderate alcohol intake can increase the risk of breast cancer by about 30-50%.
Researchers believe this may be due to alcohol’s impact on estrogen receptors, leading to heightened estrogen levels and longer menstrual cycles. Increased estrogen exposure can promote breast tumor growth.
If you drink alcohol, consider limiting yourself to one serving daily or abstaining altogether.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Research shows that HRT may slightly elevate the risk of breast cancer. The exact reason remains unclear, but experts believe the heightened estrogen levels from HRT play a role.
Pregnancy
Some studies show that pregnancy may temporarily increase the risk of breast cancer. The exact mechanism behind this isn’t fully understood, but it may have to do with the high hormone levels during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester.
Heightened levels of estrogen and progesterone may have growth-promoting effects on breast cells. Some research suggests that this elevated risk can persist for two to three decades post-childbirth, although further studies are needed.
History of Radiation Therapy to the Chest
Research indicates that women who underwent radiation therapy to the chest or breasts before turning 30 face a heightened risk of breast cancer as they age.
While some women might develop breast cancer without any recognizable risk factors, it’s essential to remember that having a risk factor doesn’t guarantee cancer. Each risk factor varies in its influence. And while a vast majority of women have some risk factors, most don’t develop breast cancer.
Most Common Types of Breast Cancer
Despite its relatively high survival rate when detected early, breast cancer is a serious disease that can greatly impact one’s quality of life. Treatments can alter appearance and well-being, and associated anxieties can make daily tasks daunting.
Gaining a deeper understanding of the disease can empower individuals to handle it with a more positive perspective. Here are the most common types of breast cancer, as classified by medical professionals.
Location: Common Types of Breast Cancer Classified by Point of Origin
Doctors typically categorize breast cancers by where they begin. Here’s a breakdown of some common types of breast cancer and their starting points:
Ductal Carcinoma
Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer and originates in the breast ducts, the channels that carry milk. Invasive ductal carcinoma, which spreads beyond the ducts, accounts for 70 to 80 percent of all diagnosed cases.
Lobular Carcinoma
Lobular carcinoma starts in the milk-producing glands called lobules. Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common breast cancer.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast
Paget’s disease of the breast starts in the nipple skin and often extends to the surrounding area, known as the areola. Common signs include itching, burning, and sometimes bleeding or discharge.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive type that affects the breast’s skin. It is characterized by a lack of distinct lumps. The cancer cells obstruct the lymph vessels, leading to a red, swollen appearance, which resembles an infection.
Spread: Types of Breast Cancer Classified by Areas Spread in the Body
Doctors also categorize breast cancer based on its progression and whether it has spread within the body. This is an overview of breast cancer types based on their extent of spread.
In Situ
In situ is a term meaning the cancer is localized to its point of origin. The previously discussed cancer types can be in this stage, meaning they haven’t ventured beyond their starting point.
Invasive
Invasive is a term used when the cancer extends beyond its initial location and into neighboring tissues. At this point, breast cancer may continue spreading to other areas of the body.
Metastatic
Metastatic is a term used when the cancer has traveled and established itself in other parts of the body. Some medical experts might also call it advanced or stage IV breast cancer. Despite the daunting nature of this diagnosis, many people with metastatic breast cancer continue to lead long, fulfilling lives.
Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
In addition to the common types mentioned earlier, there are several less common types of breast cancer that individuals may encounter:
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer lacks the involvement of estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2/neu receptors, which are known to fuel breast cancer growth. It is especially aggressive and commonly affects younger individuals, African Americans, and those with BRCA1 mutations.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
HER2-positive breast cancer tests positive for the protein, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which boosts cancer growth. Although less common, it can be very aggressive.
Colloid Carcinoma
Colloid carcinoma is a typically less aggressive type, also known as mucinous carcinoma. Its characteristics may not appear different from standard invasive ductal carcinoma.
Medullary Breast Carcinoma
Medullary breast carcinoma is a rare subtype of triple-negative breast cancer that originates from milk ducts. It is invasive and often occurs in individuals with a BRCA1 mutation.
Tubular Carcinoma
Tubular carcinoma is a rare low-grade tissue growth, making up about 1-2% of invasive breast cancers. It is characterized by well-differentiated tubular structures.
Phyllodes Tumor
Phyllodes tumors are rare tumors originating in the breast’s connective tissue. While generally benign, some can be malignant, typically appearing in women between the ages of 35 and 55.
Angiosarcoma
Angiosarcoma is a very rare cancer starting in the breast’s blood or lymph vessel lining. It is often associated with prior radiation therapy in the region.
How to Prevent Breast Cancer Naturally
Studies from the International Agency for Research on Cancer reveal that about one-third of breast cancer cases could be prevented through diet and exercise. This challenges the prevalent belief that genetics or family history solely determine the risk.
In addition to regular breast self-exams, consider adopting the following healthy lifestyle habits:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods contain vital nutrients and antioxidants linked to decreased cancer risks.
- Limit processed foods and red meats. Excess saturated fat may increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Exercise regularly. This helps control weight and regulate hormones like estrogen.
- Reduce stress with practices like meditation and yoga. Stress can advance cancer by making the body release specific stress hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol, which have been linked to cancer risk and spread.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can elevate estrogen levels and damage cellular DNA. Women who consume three to six drinks weekly increase their breast cancer risk by 15%.
- Avoid or quit smoking. Studies show that current long-term smokers (over 10 years) have around a 10% increased risk of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a dangerous disease, but it is often preventable and typically treatable, especially when caught early. It is crucial to understand common risk factors, types of breast cancer, and lifestyle choices that can reduce susceptibility to safeguard your health. Stay informed, and if you are diagnosed, draw strength from the available community and national resources to support you on your healing journey.
References:
- https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5074580/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5176389/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8224936/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4491690/
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/risk-fact-sheet
- https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast-subtypes.html#:~:text=When%20all%20subtypes%20are%20combined,based%20on%202016%E2%80%932020%20cases
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm#:~:text=Most%20breast%20cancers%20are%20found,factors%20that%20they%20know%20of
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9857053/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5591063/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21113759/
- https://www.summertown.co.uk/directory/her-best-defense-breast-cancer-dietary-risk/
The post Winning the Battle Against Breast Cancer: Risk Factors, Types, and Natural Prevention appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in holistic medicine and alternative medicines?
Holistic medicine treats all aspects of the person: mind, body, soul, and spirit. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine addresses specific conditions, such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, and other ailments.
Why is holistic healing better?
Holistic health care treats the whole person instead of just specific symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine treats patients as an integrated whole. Although this sounds easy in theory, it’s very difficult to do in practice. Many doctors only focus on the physical aspects of patients.
What is an alternative name for medicine?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine may include acupuncture, homeopathy or herbalism, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine and reflexology.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. However, these assertions cannot be scientifically proven because mainstream medical authorities have largely ignored the evidence-based benefits of alternative medicine.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic medicine doctor is someone who treats patients holistically. They might use traditional techniques such as herbs or acupuncture, but they also integrate them into western medicine.
They treat the illness, not just the symptoms. The patient should feel better following treatment.
Doctors should not just focus on treating the disease, but also helping to prevent future ones.
Holistic refers to all aspects of someone’s life.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
doi.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
How To
What can a holistic doctor do differently than a traditional doctor?
A holistic doctor offers a wider range services than a traditional one, including nutritionists, massage therapists, naturopaths and homeopaths.
A holistic doctor treats patients holistically. Instead of treating symptoms, they examine the person and their environment. This helps them find the root causes and to take preventative steps and long-term care. Holistic doctors also use herbs and essential oils to treat illnesses. They also provide nutritional supplements and advice for healthy living.
Additionally, holistic doctors offer treatments such as reflexology, massage, shiatsu and acupuncture.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Winning the Battle Against Breast Cancer: Risk Factors, Types, and Natural Prevention
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/womens-health/breast-health/winning-the-battle-against-breast-cancer-risk-factors-types-and-natural-prevention/
Published Date: Sun, 01 Oct 2023 21:47:54 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in holistic medicine and alternative medicines?
Holistic medicine treats all aspects of the person: mind, body, soul, and spirit. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine addresses specific conditions, such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, and other ailments.
Why is holistic healing better?
Holistic health care treats the whole person instead of just specific symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine treats patients as an integrated whole. Although this sounds easy in theory, it’s very difficult to do in practice. Many doctors only focus on the physical aspects of patients.
What is an alternative name for medicine?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine may include acupuncture, homeopathy or herbalism, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine and reflexology.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. However, these assertions cannot be scientifically proven because mainstream medical authorities have largely ignored the evidence-based benefits of alternative medicine.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic medicine doctor is someone who treats patients holistically. They might use traditional techniques such as herbs or acupuncture, but they also integrate them into western medicine.
They treat the illness, not just the symptoms. The patient should feel better following treatment.
Doctors should not just focus on treating the disease, but also helping to prevent future ones.
Holistic refers to all aspects of someone’s life.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
doi.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
How To
What can a holistic doctor do differently than a traditional doctor?
A holistic doctor offers a wider range services than a traditional one, including nutritionists, massage therapists, naturopaths and homeopaths.
A holistic doctor treats patients holistically. Instead of treating symptoms, they examine the person and their environment. This helps them find the root causes and to take preventative steps and long-term care. Holistic doctors also use herbs and essential oils to treat illnesses. They also provide nutritional supplements and advice for healthy living.
Additionally, holistic doctors offer treatments such as reflexology, massage, shiatsu and acupuncture.
