Understanding Breast Cancer: Risk Factors Explained

By Mpundu Valerie

DISCLAIMER: Views expressed herein are not those of SBT. The following information was shared by Naturopathic Doctor P. Nduva during an educational health talk on breast cancer.

Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. While it primarily affects women, men can also develop the disease. As part of its cancer-awareness programme, Southerton Business Times (SBT) is sharing educational information provided during a health talk by naturopathic doctor P. Nduva, with the aim of encouraging informed conversations about breast cancer and the importance of seeking appropriate medical care.

In Zimbabwe, it is the second most common malignancy affecting women. There is a 1 in 9 lifetime risk for women.

RISK FACTORS

According to Dr Nduva, several factors may increase a person's risk of developing breast cancer. However, having a risk factor does not mean that a person will necessarily develop the disease, while some people diagnosed with breast cancer may have no obvious risk factors.

1. Age

Carcinomas of the breast are extremely rare in women below the age of 20. Thereafter, the incidence rises steadily so that by age 90, nearly 20% of women are affected. Peak age of incidence in Western countries is in the 60s. However, in our population, the peak age is lower, and this has been attributed to our life expectancy.

2. Gender

Less than 0.5% of breast cancer patients are male.

3. Race

It is more common in white women. It is also more common among Ashkenazi Jews.

4. Genetic Factors

Breast cancer occurs more in women who have a family history of breast cancer, particularly if the family member developed cancer at a young age. Nonetheless, breast cancer attributable to a specific gene mutation accounts for only 5% of cases. These include mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Other associated conditions include HNPCC (Lynch II syndrome) and Li-Fraumeni syndrome (inherited p53 mutation). Risk also increases in women with a positive family history for other malignancies, particularly ovarian, endometrial and colorectal carcinoma.

A previous history of breast cancer also increases the risk of a tumour spreading to the other breast. A previous biopsy showing DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) or LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ) also increases risk.

5. Diet

Dietary factors are believed to play a part, as breast cancer affects women in developed countries more than in developing countries. There is believed to be a link between breast cancer and diets low in phyto-oestrogens. A high alcohol intake is also related to an increased risk, while Vitamin C is believed to reduce risk.

6. Increased Exposure to Oestrogen

Increased exposure to oestrogen predisposes women to breast cancer, due to both exogenous and endogenous causes.

- Exogenous causes include women who take oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and those who take synthetic oestrogen for cosmetic purposes.

- Endogenous causes include early menarche and late menopause, nulliparity, old age at first live birth, and not breastfeeding. It has also been noted that in post-menopausal women, breast cancer is more common in obese women because there is increased peripheral conversion of androgens to oestradiol, which occurs in adipose tissue.

7. Radiation

Women who have been exposed to mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Know Your Risk

Understanding personal and family medical history can help people have informed conversations with healthcare professionals about their individual risk. Breast changes such as a new lump, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes, nipple changes or unusual nipple discharge should be medically assessed. Importantly, many breast changes are not cancerous. A healthcare professional can determine whether further examination or testing is necessary.

Breast cancer can affect people differently, and every cancer story is unique. SBT encourages readers to seek information from qualified healthcare professionals and to avoid delaying medical attention because of fear, stigma, or misinformation.

If you have a cancer-awareness story to share, contact SBT on 0774 778 179. Your story might help someone seek information or medical care.

Breast cancer risk factors