Genetic Risk Factors Of Breast Cancer

Cancer survives on your ignorance. More you stay informed, more you will be safe. Keeping in mind the importance of breast cancer month, we are telling you about certain genetic risk factors of breast cancer.

Gender

When it comes to breast cancer, it occurs almost 100 times more frequently in women than in men.

Race

Caucasian women are more prone to breast cancer than women of other races.

Age

Two from three women having invasive cancer are diagnosed after the age of 50.

Personal Health History

If a person is diagnosed with breast cancer disease in one breast, there are many chances that the person may get cancer in another breast too. Another factor which increases the risk is if abnormal breast cells also called as pre-cancerous lesions (like -lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical hyperplasia, or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)) were found before.

Family History and Genetic Factors

A person with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer will be more susceptible to breast cancer. The risk level is higher if the family member was diagnosed before 50 years of age.

Menstrual and Reproductive History

 Factors Like early menstruation (before age 12), or late menopause (after 55), giving birth to your first child in an older age (after 30) or never having given birth are the factors that can increase the risk for breast cancer.

 Dense Breast Tissue 

Having dense breast tissue is another risk factor of breast cancer. It makes lumps harder to detect. If you have dense breasts then don’t forget to tell your physician and also ask him about the implications of having the dense breast tissues.

Certain Genome Changes

Changes in form and nature of certain genes, like - BRCA1 and BRCA2, can also increase the risk for breast cancer. It’s a study which was determined through a genetic test. This study may be considered by those who have a family history of this disease. Besides, even individuals with gene mutations can also pass the gene mutation to their children. Earlier the cost of such test was in lakhs now they cost around 10-15000 INR.

The above-mentioned risk factors increase the risk of breast cancer, but this is also true that by maintaining a healthy lifestyle one can lessen the risk of this fatal disease. In fact, you may find many breast cancer patients does not relate to any of the above mentioned genetic factors.

Cancer may happen to anyone. Our duty is, to try our level best and keep a healthy lifestyle!