Breast cancer is considered to be a disease that occurs mainly in older women. However, apart from age, another important issue that is now facing the medical field is the increasing incidence of breast cancer in young women. Various studies in India have shown a steady increase in the incidence of breast cancer among women under the age of 45. Delay in diagnosis and lack of timely screening are also important challenges among these women. What are the causes of breast cancer at a young age? Technical Director of BDR Pharmaceuticals International Dr. By Arvind Badiger.
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There is no single cause of breast cancer in young women. Heredity is an important factor in it. The risk may increase especially if there is a family history of breast cancer or if there are changes (mutations) in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Having radiation therapy to the chest at a young age or having a history of certain high-risk breast disorders are also possible risk factors.
However, genetics is not the cause of all cases of breast cancer. So researchers are now studying how lifestyle, reproductive factors, and metabolic risk factors add to the overall risk of breast cancer.
Lifestyle factors such as physical activity levels, body mass index (BMI) and diet have received particular attention in recent years. Lack of physical activity, obesity, and heavy drinking are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. According to research by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as reduced physical activity, can be important factors, especially in young women.
Along with this, reproductive history must also be considered. Early menarche, late first full-term pregnancy, or childlessness can have long-term effects on the body from hormones produced by the ovaries and may increase the risk of breast cancer. However, it is important to note that these factors do not directly cause cancer, but rather increase the risk of developing cancer.
There is still a misconception that breast cancer occurs less frequently in younger women, so it is only a disease of advancing age. Therefore, some young women may ignore breast lumps, changes in breast size, nipple discharge, or skin changes. As a result, there may be a delay in going for medical examination.
Younger women may have relatively denser breast tissue. Therefore, it can be relatively difficult to detect certain abnormalities in mammography. However, not every young woman needs regular mammography. The nature and timing of the examination should be determined by the doctor's advice according to age and individual risk factors.
Breast cancer awareness among young women needs to be raised; But this should not create unnecessary fear. Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean cancer will develop, and being young does not mean cancer will not develop. Family history of cancer, genetic risk, lifestyle, reproductive history, and previous medical treatment history can all affect a woman's overall risk.
Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and getting regular medical check-ups for any persistent breast changes are some of the important preventive steps. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer or other high-risk factors, it may be important to discuss with a doctor a personal risk assessment and plan early screening if necessary.
There should be no age limit when looking at breast health. Early recognition of body changes, understanding of own risk information and timely medical consultation as needed can make a positive difference in treatment outcomes.
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