Are you at high risk for breast cancer?

This is the 5261st article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Although medical technology has made rapid progress, people are still afraid of cancer, especially breast cancer, which is closely related to women. At present, breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women worldwide. If you can understand the high-risk factors for breast cancer, it is very important for early prevention and treatment. Here, Dr. Li will classify and summarize some risk factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer, hoping to help you evaluate whether you belong to the high-risk group for breast cancer. For the sake of intuitiveness, we divide these risks into two categories: genetic factors and non-genetic factors.

01

Genetic factors

① The mother, daughter or sister suffers from breast cancer or ovarian cancer;

② The person or his/her mother, daughter or sister underwent genetic testing and was found to have BRCA1/2 gene mutation;

③ Two or more of the aunt, grandmother, and grandmother-in-law suffered from breast cancer or ovarian cancer before the age of 50.

02

Non-genetic factors

① Ionizing radiation

History of chest radiation therapy before age 30

②Breast disease

The patient had surgery for the breast tumor, and the postoperative pathological results indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast duct or lobules or lobular carcinoma in situ.

③Age

The incidence of breast cancer increases with age. The peak age of breast cancer in Chinese women is 45-54 years old.

④ Menstruation

The younger the age of menarche, the greater the risk of breast cancer. In terms of breast cancer risk, the group with menarche before the age of 12 is about twice as high as the group with menarche over the age of 12. The risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women increases by about 50%.

5. Fertility

People who have never given birth have a higher risk of breast cancer. In addition, the older the age of first childbirth, the higher the risk of breast cancer. A study has shown that the risk of breast cancer in people who give birth for the first time at an age of over 30 is more than 6 times that of those who give birth at an age of less than 30.

⑥ Non-breastfeeding

There are many types of breast cancer, and breastfeeding may reduce the risk of certain types.

7. Breast gland density

The higher the glandular density of the breast, the higher the risk of breast cancer. People with extremely dense breasts have about three times the risk of breast cancer as people whose breasts are basically fat.

⑧ Hormone therapy

After menopause, women will experience symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, sleep disorders, mood swings, etc. due to the decline of ovarian function. Clinically, these symptoms are improved by hormone therapy with estrogen and progesterone supplementation. The risk of breast cancer in the group using hormone therapy is higher than that in the group who have never used it.

⑨Diet

People who consume more fruits, vegetables, fish, low-fat dairy products, whole grains (such as soy milk, soy products, etc.) and dietary fiber have a lower risk of breast cancer. In addition, eating more foods containing vitamin B, vitamin D, riboflavin, natural folic acid and calcium can reduce the risk of breast cancer. However, people who eat high-calorie foods such as red meat, processed meat, high-fat dairy products, and sweets have a higher risk of breast cancer.

⑩ Smoking

Both active smoking and passive smoking increase the risk of breast cancer.

⑪Drinking

People who drink alcohol regularly have about three times the risk of breast cancer than those who do not drink alcohol.

⑫ Exercise

People who regularly exercise may have a lower risk of breast cancer.

⑬ Sleep

Circadian rhythm disorders can increase the risk of breast cancer, while going to bed early and getting up early can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Through the above content, we can understand the current high-risk factors for breast cancer. If you find yourself at risk, don't worry or be anxious, go to the hospital early and let the doctor help you evaluate. Once you are determined to be a high-risk group for breast cancer, Dr. Li recommends that you start breast screening before the age of 40. You can have a breast physical examination every 6-12 months, and a breast ultrasound examination at the same time; a breast mammography examination once a year; and a breast enhanced MRI if necessary. I hope that through our joint efforts, everyone can enjoy a better life and stay away from breast diseases.

Author: Li Yujin, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University