Breast Cancer Prevention: How to reduce your risk?

One in twenty-eight Indian women is likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. In rural and urban India, the incidence of breast cancer is rising.

Despite the alarming statistics, you can take steps to lower your risk of getting breast cancer and beat it with early detection and treatment.

If you are worried about getting breast cancer, you may wonder if there are any steps you can take to lessen your risk. Certain risk factors, like family medical history, are unavoidable. You can reduce your risk by altering your lifestyle, though.

Given that breast cancer often manifests as signs and symptoms, paying attention to your body and noting any unusual warning signs is crucial. There may be other causes of your symptoms besides cancer. Therefore, speaking with your physician is the only way to be sure.

Dr. Garvit Chitkara is a well-qualified and seasoned breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai. He has over 15+ years of experience in general practice and more than ten years of experience as a breast oncology surgeon in Mumbai.

Moreover, Dr. Garvit Chitkara is highly skilled in oncoplastic breast surgeries. He strives to offer the most effective and safe breast cancer surgery in Mumbai and provides comprehensive breast cancer care.

Now, let’s know,

Who is at Risk of Developing Breast Cancer?

The risk of breast cancer is higher in women over 40. Here are a few risk factors to be aware of:

• Your family medical history

Your risk of developing breast cancer is higher if your family has a medical history of the condition. Since 5 to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, your risk increases if a first-degree relative, such as your mother or sister, has the disease.

The majority of first- and second-degree relatives of patients with inherited cancer-causing genetic mutations have breast cancer or other cancers linked to the mutation.

• Your reproductive history

Your risk of breast cancer will be higher than an average individual if you started menstruating before age 12, had your first child later than 30, or went into menopause later than 55.

• Lifestyle

Your weight and eating habits also influence your risk. Breast cancer risk can be raised by being overweight and irregular exercising, particularly after menopause. Similarly, a diet heavy in alcohol, animal fat, and red meat can increase that risk.

On the other hand, foods high in selenium, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish can all help ward off the disease.

• Exposure to hormones

The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives for extended periods increases the risk. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hormone therapy with your doctor before making a decision.

How to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer accounts for 14% of cancer cases in Indian women, so all women should be aware of preventative measures.

1. Self-examination of the breasts

Examine your breasts every 7 to 10 days of your menstrual cycle for any changes. Consult your doctor if you notice any changes, such as skin dimpling or a difference in the appearance of the nipples.

2. Breast cancer screening tests

Once you reach the age of 40 or ten years earlier than the age of the youngest affected family member in the family, you should begin annual mammogram screening for breast cancer. This is currently the most reliable screening method for breast cancer because it can detect the presence of malignant lumps even before they can be felt during a breast self-examination.

3. Choosing a healthy lifestyle

Maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid smoking. Extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts are added to the Mediterranean diet of women, and they appear to be more successful in preventing breast cancer. This diet is primarily plant-based and contains healthy fats like fish in place of red meat and olive oil in place of butter.

4. Genetic counselling and testing

Consider seeking genetic counselling to determine your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer if you have multiple family members who have the disease.

Women at high risk for breast cancer should discuss additional preventive measures with their oncologist or breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai. Options include prophylactic mastectomy or hormonal therapy.

5. Preventive prophylactic mastectomy

For women with a high risk of breast cancer, bilateral mastectomy or removing both breasts before cancer is found are options. As a result, the risk of developing breast cancer is reduced by 90 to 95 percent. Simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction is often done to reduce the patient’s socio-psychological stress.

In India, breast cancer is one of the most common diseases. Breast cancer risk factors are numerous, and the only way to lower your risk is to be aware of them. Getting a mammogram every year is among the most crucial things you can do. Perform a monthly self-exam to look for lumps or other abnormalities as another preventive measure.

Additionally, it is crucial to discuss with your doctor any symptoms you may be having that could be signs of breast cancer so that they can be treated as soon as possible.