Risk Factors
Genetic Mutations and Family History
Genomic variables account for a portion of the
major “Breast cancer” risk factors. Elevated risk of breast and ovarian
cancer is associated with mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and
BRCA2
(Pourmasoumi, Moradi & Bayat, 2024). These genes
are supposed to work to repair DNA damage and suppress the growth of
tumours, but inherited mutations disable them, allowing cancer cells to
grow undisturbed.
A
woman's lifetime risk of getting breast cancer may reach 70% if she had
mutations in either BRCA1 or BRCA2.
The increased risk of developing “Breast cancer” can
also be seen in individuals who have genetic mutations other than BRCA,
for example, “TP53, CHEK2, and PALB2” (Graffeo
et al., 2022). Through genetic
testing, individuals at risk can be identified early and offered
preventive measures in the form of enhanced screening or prophylactic
surgery.
Lifestyle and Environmental Influences
The very environment one
lives in, as well as lifestyle scenarios and choices, contribute
immensely to the risk factors for “Breast cancer”, which is another
important area needing focus apart from genetics and hormones. Many of
these will lend themselves to modification, and hence, lifestyle changes
constitute a fundamental aspect of “Breast cancer” prevention.
Obesity, Physical Inactivity, and Diet
A well-established risk factor for the
development of “Breast cancer” is excess body weight, especially after
menopause. Fat cells create estragon, and more fat creates more
estragon, which can stimulate hormone-sensitive “Breast cancers' growth.
A Body Mass Index above 30 significantly increases the risk compared
with a healthy BMI (Mohanty & Mohanty, 2021).