When there are mutations in the genes that control cell reproduction, you may develop a tumor because these mutations cause your cells to reproduce uncontrollably. Tumors can be benign or they can become cancerous. If this happens in the breasts, it usually starts in the cells of the milk-producing glands (lobules) or the ducts that drain milk from the lobules. The cancerous cells can then spread to other areas of the breast and even under the armpits. The good news is that if breast cancer is caught early, treatment can be successful. However, prevention is the key. This means knowing your modifiable risk factors for breast cancer.
Obesity
Managing your weight can reduce your risks for breast cancer, says the America Cancer Society. High levels of estrogen in the body are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Estrogen is produced by your your ovaries and fat tissue. Before menopause most of your estrogen comes from your ovaries. After menopause it comes from fat tissue. Being overweight, especially after menopause, may raise your estrogen levels too high and increase your chances of getting breast cancer. While more research is needed, there may be a link between a higher risk of breast cancer and excess fat in the waist due to the type of fat cells found there.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
If you take hormone therapy that is a combination of estrogen and progesterone, you may be more likely to get breast cancer. This is caused by the extra hormones in the body. These hormones are prescribed to help control the symptoms of menopause and protect against osteoporosis. The National Cancer Institute states that in most cases, the risks of cancer from this type of therapy outweigh its benefits. Taking HRT not only increases your risk of breast cancer, it appears to make the cancer more aggressive. The risk usually starts to decline after stopping the medication.
Alcohol Consumption
Women who drink two to five glasses of alcohol a day seem to have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The more you drink, the higher your risk. This may be because alcohol can alter how your body metabolizes estrogen, making the level get too high in your blood stream. This can trigger breast cancer development.
Physical Activity
According to the Susan G. Komen website, it appears that regular physical activity can reduce a woman's chances of getting breast cancer. The greatest benefit seems to occur in post-menopausal women who participated in at least 39 hours of moderate level activity weekly. This may occur because physical activity can help you to control your weight which also reduces your risk. In addition, if you exercise regularly, you may be more inclined to choose other healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and refraining from smoking.
