Category Breastfeeding

Top Risk Factors for Breast Cancer and How to Reduce Them

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Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide, including in Delhi NCR. Understanding the top risk factors for breast cancer and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing this disease. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore these risk factors and provide actionable steps to mitigate them, with expert insights from Dr. Shelly Singh, a renowned Gynecologist in Delhi NCR.

Understanding the Top Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Several factors contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer. While some are beyond our control, many are influenced by lifestyle choices and environmental exposures.

1. Age and Gender

The risk of breast cancer increases with age, particularly after 50. Women are at a higher risk, though men can also develop breast cancer.

2. Family History and Genetics

Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer doubles the risk. Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 also elevate risk levels.

3. Hormonal Factors

Early menstruation (before 12) and late menopause (after 55) extend lifetime exposure to estrogen, increasing breast cancer risk.

4. Lifestyle Choices

Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are modifiable risk factors that can be controlled through conscious lifestyle changes.

5. Radiation Exposure

Previous radiation therapy to the chest area, especially during childhood, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer later in life.

How to Reduce Your Risk: Expert Advice from Dr. Shelly Singh

Early detection and regular monitoring are key to lowering the risk of breast cancer. Dr. Shelly Singh recommends the following strategies:

  • Breast Self-Awareness
    Become familiar with the look and feel of your breasts to notice any unusual changes early. Monthly self-checks can help detect lumps or other abnormalities.
  • Breast Examination by a Doctor
    Schedule regular clinical breast exams with a gynecologist or breast specialist. A professional exam can identify issues that may not be noticeable during self-checks.
  • Ultrasound of the Breasts
    For women with dense breast tissue or higher risk, a breast ultrasound is a safe and effective way to detect abnormalities early.
  • Annual Mammography
    Mammograms remain one of the most reliable methods for early detection of breast cancer. Women over 40 or at higher risk should have a mammogram every year.
  • MRI of the Breast
    In high-risk cases, an MRI can provide detailed imaging to detect tumors that may not appear on a mammogram or ultrasound.

Importance of Early Detection in Delhi NCR

In Delhi NCR, where lifestyle-related risk factors are prevalent, early detection becomes even more critical. Regular screenings and awareness can lead to early-stage detection, which is often more treatable.

FAQs

Q1: What are the primary risk factors for breast cancer?
 The primary risk factors include age, gender, family history, hormonal factors, lifestyle choices, and previous radiation exposure.

Q2: Can lifestyle changes reduce the risk of breast cancer?
 Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and breastfeeding can significantly reduce the risk.

Q3: How often should I get screened for breast cancer?
 Women aged 40 and above should undergo regular mammograms every 1-2 years. However, individuals with a family history of breast cancer should consult Dr. Shelly Singh for personalized screening recommendations.

Q4: Is breast cancer preventable?
 While not all cases of breast cancer are preventable, many risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes and regular screenings.

Call to Action:

 Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shelly Singh today to discuss your breast cancer risk and preventive strategies tailored to your needs.

Breast feeding lowers the risk of breast cancer

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We are all aware of the numerous benefits of breastfeeding. Not many however may be aware of the reduced risk of breast cancer with breastfeeding. On this Breast cancer awareness month October, let me tell you a bit about these benefits.

The baby must be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, as recommended by the WHO and most paediatric and gynaecological associations including IAP. This means that the baby needs no water, formula or liquids and solids. Breastfeeding provides the baby with all the energy and nutrients they need. After 6 months, solid and semi-solid food can slowly be introduced into the baby’s diet while you continue to breastfeed the baby. The longer you breastfeed, the more is the protection against breast cancer. In fact, a study found that for every one year that the baby is breastfed, the risks of breast cancer go down by 4 % or so. This study compared women who breastfed their babies compared to those who didn’t. Moreover, there’s also protection against ovarian cancer. There is a 63% less chance of this cancer for women who feed their babies for one year and the risk further reduces if you feed them for longer than one year.A study of more than 60,000 women published in an international journal also found that women with a family history of breast cancer reduced their risk of getting the disease before menopause by around 60%. So if there is a family history of breast cancer, there’s even greater benefits and need for breastfeeding. There’s also a greater body of evidence that shows that breastfeeding also reduces the chance of more aggressive and difficult to treat cancers.

 

Also, remember that there is a lower chance of both premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer. The reason for this is that during pregnancy, childbirth and lactation, the menstrual periods stop. When there are no periods, there are hormonal changes. Estrogen, the hormone that is believed to cause breast and ovarian cancer goes down, thereby limiting the risks. And obviously, the longer these periods of no menstruation, the more the protection afforded. In addition, when women breastfeed, for some time there is no ovulation; so lessened chances of ovarian cancer. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is also some shedding of breast tissue cells. This removes cells with potential DNA damage, again reducing the chances of breast cancer.

And there’s one more reason. When pregnant and breastfeeding, you eat a more healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants, fruits, green vegetables and whole grains and nuts. There is ideally no intake of alcohol and smoking, both of which are known to cause cancer. There is a greater focus on leading a healthier life, including exercising. Breastfeeding also helps in burning calories and reducing weight. Ideal body weight and lack of obesity are also known to reduce the risk of not just breast cancer but many other cancers as well.

Breastfeeding, as we all know, also protect against obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure.

 

Now lets talk about benefits for a breast fed baby. Mother’s milk is laden with antibodies which protect babies against gut , ear , eye and respiratory infections including childhood asthma. These babies have less chances of type 1 diabetes and childhood obesity. Less obese babies have a lesser chance of many cancers like postmenopausal breast, uterine, oesophageal, rectal and kidney cancers. Longer the baby is breast fed , lesser the chances of many allergies. Aren’t these a lot of reasons to breast feed your baby.

 

Do remember to keep doing breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations by your doctor, ultrasound of the breast after the age of 25 years and also mammography after the age of 40 years.

Breast cancer is a deadly disease but breast milk is the elixir that can beat this terrible cancer. So despite the challenges to breastfeeding, pledge to breastfeed and take care of your own health NOW!

Benefits of Breastfeeding

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Why breastfeed? 

There are numerous benefits of breastfeeding for the mom and baby, some of which extend lifelong. 

The biggest reason is that nature intended it this way . Breast milk contains just the right amount of macro and micronutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, immune properties and antibodies from the mom. The mother’s mature immune system prepares antibodies against common microbes and these antibodies are released in the mother’s milk. They coat the lining of the baby’s gastrointestinal system and protect them against illnesses, often for life . Moreover, breast milk is at the right temperature and is not infected, unlike bottles and nipples. 

HUMAN MILK IS NATURALLY BEST FOR HUMAN BABIES.

Breastfeeding moms lose weight earlier. They burn around 500 extra calories per day and become fitter earlier. 

Moreover the uterus of breastfeeding moms contracts and returns to pre-pregnant normal size earlier. Blood loss following delivery is also less due to the same reason.

Lesser chances of anaemia.

There are fewer chances of urinary tract infection. 

As the mom bonds with the baby with this skin to skin contact, there are happy hormones that are released and that leads to fewer chances of Post Partum blues and depression. There is a greater feeling of self-esteem and confidence which is emotionally rewarding.

Breastfed babies cry less and this shapes their behaviour for life. These moms are able to read their babies cues more and are more relaxed. 

It is easier to travel without the issues of carrying bottles and associated products like formula feeds. 

Whatever be the class of women, this is definitely a much more pocket-friendly alternative to feeding. 

For a lifetime, moms who breastfeed are protected from breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, osteoporosis , diabetes and hypertension, to name a few illnesses. 

Aren’t these reasons good enough reasons to breastfeed ….

 

Now let’s consider the benefits to the baby.

Babies whose moms breastfeed them have less diarrhoea, constipation, gastroenteritis and preterm necrotising enterocolitis.

They have a stronger respiratory system and fewer chances of colds, pneumonia and other related illnesses

Lesser chances of ear infections like otitis media 

Lesser chances of bacterial meningitis, eye infections and better vision.

There is overall better health and less hospitalisation. 

 

These babies will grow up to be healthier children in later years too with less likelihood of allergies, asthma, eczema, obesity, childhood diabetes and a host of other benefits. If I start enumerating all the benefits it would probably take me all day.

 

So why not breastfeed? The obvious benefits are healthier, fitter moms with fitter, emotionally balanced babies and children; physically and mentally sound for a lifetime. And a more pocket-friendly, eco-friendly, natural option! To my mind, it’s totally a win-win practice!  Give up the thought of the bottle and give your baby that nectar now!