Breast cancer is most common in women. The incidence rate in men is less than 1 percent.
Age:
Breast cancer is mostly seen in people aged 50 and over. It is less common in people aged 35 and under. While the incidence of breast cancer in American women between 2000 and 2004 was 25 per 100 thousand in the 30-34 age group, it increased to 190 per 100 thousand in the 45-49 age group and 455 per 100 thousand in the 70-74 age group. Hereditary breast cancer or breast cancers caused by genetic disorders are more common in young women.
Family history
Especially in a first-degree relative from the mother's side (mother, aunt, grandmother, daughter). Having a history of cancer is considered an important risk factor. The risk of these relatives being diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause and/or having bilateral breast cancer increases even more.
Estrogen hormone:
The earlier a woman has her first menstrual period (for example, before the age of 12) and the closer she is to menopause. If it starts late (for example, at age 55), the risk of developing breast cancer increases. It is also thought that using birth control pills increases the risk of breast cancer, even if at a very low rate.
Post-menopausal hormone therapy:
It is prescribed by gynecologists and obstetricians for a long time to prevent problems such as hot flashes during menopause (5). Combined hormone drugs containing estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate (for years or more) increase the risk of breast cancer more than hormone drugs containing only estrogen.
Previous breast biopsy:
Moderate hyperplasias detected in breast biopsies increase the risk of breast cancer. Presence of atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular hyperplasia with .5-2 times (mild degree), atypical ductal hyperplasia 3-5 times (moderate) and lobular carcinoma in situ (non-invasive) or family history It increases the risk by 8-10 times (to a high degree).
Breast cancer history:
If a woman has previously developed cancer in one breast, it increases the risk of developing cancer in the other breast in the future by approximately 2 times.
Irradiation (radiotherapy):
The incidence of breast cancer increases in those who underwent chest irradiation in childhood due to other cancers (lymph cancer, etc.).
Nutrition and environmental factors:
Diet rich in fat and Weight gain increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in menopausal women. While alcohol use (more than one drink a day) also increases the risk, the effect of smoking is still debated. It is known that regular exercise and physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Genetic disorders:
Hereditary breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) constitute 5-10 percent of all breast cancers.
Who are they? At risk?
Having one or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer in the family suggests hereditary breast cancer. However, the fact that breast cancer occurs at very young ages, such as 20-30, especially with ovarian cancer, brings to mind hereditary breast cancer. Having breast cancer in a mother or sister is considered a serious risk factor.
Read: 0
