October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer

By definition, it is the malignant proliferation (uncontrolled growth or multiplication) of the cells lining the ducts or lobules of the breast. As one of the most common causes of cancer (excluding Skin CA), it also accounts for about one-third of all cancer in women. It can occur in men too.

Why you should be aware

Females are mostly affected than males with a ratio of 150:1.

Breast cancer (BRCA) is linked to genetics and can be inherited from family generations. A person may have a 10-80% lifetime chance of developing breast cancer if she acquired a mutated gene from either of her parents. All women with a strong family history should be referred to genetic screening programs.

BRCA is a hormone dependent disease. Women without functioning ovaries who never receive estrogen replacement therapy do not develop it. Oral contraceptives or Postmenopausal hormonal replacement therapy (like Estrogen and Progestin) can increase risk for BRCA even though it may have substantial protective effect against ovarian tumors and endometrial cancer.

Women who are exposed to radiation before the age of 30 have a higher risk compared to those exposed after that age.

Moderate alcohol intake can also increase the risk due to “unknown” mechanism but this risk can be modified with Folic acid supplementation.

3 dates in a woman’s life (Major Impact on BRCA Incidence)

First, age at menarche (first menstrual period); women who had their menarche at the age of 16 have a 50-60% risk only compared to those who had theirs at the age of 12.

Second, age at 1^st full-term pregnancy; It is lower (30-40% risk) in women who had theirs at the age of 18 compared to women who have never given birth to a viable, or live, infant.

Third, age at menopause; the median age of menopause is at 62. Those who had theirs 10 years before the median age have lowered their risk by 35%.

What to do?

If you are concerned or worried that you may be at risk, consult a doctor, a gynecologist maybe.

Free Breast Self Exam anyone? You can do it yourself; here is a video below on how to perform it (credits to expertvillage). *For women, it is advisable to perform this a week after your menstrual period.