Doctor explains 3 factors driving the increase in breast cancer, including ones you can manage
Understanding Breast Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
- Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women worldwide, although it can also affect men. It occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can often be felt as a lump. Awareness of the disease, its risk factors, and early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, which starts in the breast ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the milk glands (lobules) and spreads to surrounding tissues.
What is Breast Cancer?
- Breast cancer originates in the cells of the breast, usually in the milk-producing ducts or the glandular tissue. There are different types of breast cancer, including: Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive condition where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but haven't spread outside the duct.Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, which starts in the breast ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the milk glands (lobules) and spreads to surrounding tissues.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A more aggressive form that lacks the three most common receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2), making it harder to treat.
Causes and Risk Factors
- While the exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it. These factors include: Genetic Mutations: Inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk.- Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 50.
Family History: A close relative with breast cancer can increase your risk, particularly if multiple family members have been diagnosed.
- Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55) can slightly increase the risk, as can hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
- Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
- Reproductive History: Women who have never given birth, had their first child after 30, or never breastfed may be at a higher risk.
Signs and Symptoms
- The early signs of breast cancer may vary, but common symptoms include:1- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
2- Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
3- Nipple discharge or changes in the nipple (such as inversion).
4- Skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling or redness.
- It is important to remember that not all lumps or changes in the breast indicate cancer. However, any changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Screening and Early Detection
- Early detection of breast cancer greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. Regular screening, such as mammograms, is crucial, especially for women over 40 or those with a higher risk due to family history or genetic factors.1- Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast that can detect tumors before they can be felt.
2- Breast Self-Exam: While not a substitute for professional screening, regular self-exams can help women become familiar with their breasts and notice any changes early.
Prevention and Management
- While not all cases of breast cancer can be prevented, some lifestyle changes can reduce the risk:- Healthy Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active can lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Reducing alcohol intake and avoiding smoking can lower your risk.
Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeeding for several months may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Regular Screenings: Women should follow their doctor's recommendations for mammograms and other screenings.
- For those diagnosed with breast cancer, treatment options vary based on the stage and type of cancer but may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted drug therapy. Advancements in medical research are constantly improving outcomes for breast cancer patients, with early diagnosis remaining key.
- Breast cancer is a serious disease, but understanding the risk factors, staying vigilant about screening, and making healthy lifestyle choices can help manage the risk. Regular medical check-ups, awareness of any changes in your body, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are crucial steps in preventing and detecting breast cancer early.
Breast Cancer Rates Rising Among Women Under 50: Key Factors and How to Reduce Risk
- There has been a concerning increase in breast cancer cases among women under the age of 50, but there are steps that can be taken to lower the risk.
- A recent report from the American Cancer Society revealed that breast cancer rates in this age group have been climbing by 1.4% annually between 2012 and 2021. Since 2000, Asian American and Pacific Islander women of all ages have experienced the sharpest increase, with annual growth rates of 2.5% to 2.7%.
- Dr. Jon LaPook, CBS News' chief medical correspondent, explains that much of this rise is linked to estrogen-driven breast cancers.
- "Researchers have found that girls are starting their periods earlier, and more women are delaying having their first child, which means more menstrual cycles. More cycles lead to increased surges of estrogen, potentially fueling the rise in breast cancer," Dr. LaPook said on "CBS Mornings Plus." He also highlighted the role of obesity, noting that fat tissue contains an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen, further raising estrogen levels in the body.
- Dr. LaPook also discussed the influence of alcohol with Rebecca Siegel, the lead author of the American Cancer Society report. Siegel pointed out that binge drinking among women in their 30s and 40s is another contributor to the increase.
- "Alcohol raises the risk of breast cancer, and about 16% of all breast cancers are linked to alcohol consumption," Dr. LaPook stated.
- The reasons for the rise in breast cancer among Asian American and Pacific Islander women are less clear.
- "This group traditionally had a low risk, but now they've reached similar rates as White women," Dr. LaPook said. He added that a major study at UC San Francisco is currently investigating this trend. Additionally, Black women continue to experience worse outcomes, highlighting a long-standing disparity that remains a focus of research.
- To address these disparities, the American Cancer Society launched the "VOICES of Black Women" study earlier this year, aiming to enroll over 100,000 Black women across the U.S. to better understand cancer risks and outcomes in this population.
- There is some positive news. Over the past 33 years, breast cancer mortality has decreased by 44%, resulting in over 500,000 lives saved. The American Cancer Society attributes this improvement to advances in early detection and treatment.
- However, not all women have benefited equally. Native American women, for example, have not seen a similar reduction in mortality.
- "While women today are much less likely to die from breast cancer, there are still significant disparities, particularly among Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American, and Black women," Dr. William Dahut, the American Cancer Society's chief scientific officer, said in a statement. "These gaps must be addressed through efforts to ensure every woman has access to high-quality screening and treatment."
- A recent report from the American Cancer Society revealed that breast cancer rates in this age group have been climbing by 1.4% annually between 2012 and 2021. Since 2000, Asian American and Pacific Islander women of all ages have experienced the sharpest increase, with annual growth rates of 2.5% to 2.7%.
- Dr. Jon LaPook, CBS News' chief medical correspondent, explains that much of this rise is linked to estrogen-driven breast cancers.
- "Researchers have found that girls are starting their periods earlier, and more women are delaying having their first child, which means more menstrual cycles. More cycles lead to increased surges of estrogen, potentially fueling the rise in breast cancer," Dr. LaPook said on "CBS Mornings Plus." He also highlighted the role of obesity, noting that fat tissue contains an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen, further raising estrogen levels in the body.
- Dr. LaPook also discussed the influence of alcohol with Rebecca Siegel, the lead author of the American Cancer Society report. Siegel pointed out that binge drinking among women in their 30s and 40s is another contributor to the increase.
- "Alcohol raises the risk of breast cancer, and about 16% of all breast cancers are linked to alcohol consumption," Dr. LaPook stated.
- The reasons for the rise in breast cancer among Asian American and Pacific Islander women are less clear.
- "This group traditionally had a low risk, but now they've reached similar rates as White women," Dr. LaPook said. He added that a major study at UC San Francisco is currently investigating this trend. Additionally, Black women continue to experience worse outcomes, highlighting a long-standing disparity that remains a focus of research.
- To address these disparities, the American Cancer Society launched the "VOICES of Black Women" study earlier this year, aiming to enroll over 100,000 Black women across the U.S. to better understand cancer risks and outcomes in this population.
- There is some positive news. Over the past 33 years, breast cancer mortality has decreased by 44%, resulting in over 500,000 lives saved. The American Cancer Society attributes this improvement to advances in early detection and treatment.
- However, not all women have benefited equally. Native American women, for example, have not seen a similar reduction in mortality.
- "While women today are much less likely to die from breast cancer, there are still significant disparities, particularly among Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American, and Black women," Dr. William Dahut, the American Cancer Society's chief scientific officer, said in a statement. "These gaps must be addressed through efforts to ensure every woman has access to high-quality screening and treatment."
- In conclusion, while breast cancer rates among women under 50 are rising at an alarming rate, particularly among Asian American and Pacific Islander women, there are actions that can help lower the risk. Factors such as earlier menstruation, delayed childbirth, obesity, and alcohol consumption are contributing to the increase, with estrogen playing a significant role. However, despite advances in early detection and treatment that have significantly reduced mortality, disparities remain, particularly for women of color. Closing these gaps requires ongoing research and efforts to ensure equal access to high-quality screening and care for all women.
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