Fertility and Breast Cancer: Navigating Reproductive Health Options During Treatment
March 2, 2024
Introduction to Reproductive Health and Breast Cancer Being diagnosed with
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone. While there are many risk factors for breast cancer, including age, family history, and lifestyle factors, gender is the most significant risk factor. Women are much more likely than men to develop breast cancer due to differences in hormonal and reproductive factors.
Some of these risks are in our control and some are not. Let’s review some of the risk factors together!
It’s impossible to predict who will get breast cancer, but there are some risk factors you can look out for. Some risk factors are out of your control and cannot be changed:
Other risk factors, such as:
can be changed to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, the estimated lifetime risk of breast cancer in women is approximately 1 in 8, while in men it is approximately 1 in 883. This means that women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than men. Both women and men have breast tissue and should monitor for changes.
Age is a risk factor for developing breast cancer because as we get older, the risk of abnormal changes in breast cells increases. Breast cancer can develop in women and men of all ages, but the majority of cases occur in women who are 50 years or older. Breast cancer can occur in women under the ago of 40 but these cases only account for about 5% of total breast cancer cases.
As we age, our cells can accumulate damage to their DNA over time, which can lead to mutations and abnormal cell growth. In addition, our bodies undergo hormonal changes as we age, such as menopause, which can also affect breast tissue and increase the risk of breast cancer.
Family history is a risk factor for developing breast cancer because certain genetic mutations can be passed down from parents to their children, and these mutations can increase the risk of breast cancer.
In particular, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Women who have a first-degree relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves, especially if the relative was diagnosed at a young age or if multiple relatives have been affected.
Other genetic mutations, such as those in the TP53, PTEN, CDH1, and STK11 genes, can also increase the risk of breast cancer, although these mutations are less common than BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
It’s important to note that most cases of breast cancer are not hereditary, and having a family history of breast cancer does not necessarily mean that an individual will develop the disease. However, if someone does have a family history of breast cancer, they may be referred for genetic counseling and testing to determine if they have an inherited genetic mutation that increases their risk, and to discuss options for reducing their risk, such as increased surveillance or prophylactic surgery.
Lifestyle is another risk factor for breast cancer. Some of these risk factors we can control and others we cannot. This section reviews lifestyle factors that we can CAN control. These risk factors include but are not limited to:
Let’s start with tobacco. Smoking tobacco and tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer! Smoking and tobacco use can damage DNA and increase the likelihood of mutations that can lead to cancer. Quitting the use of all tobacco products, (smoking, vaping or chew), can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and improve your overall health.
Next up – Alcohol use. An individual’s consumption of alcohol will increase their lifetime risk factor for developing breast cancer. Alcohol use has been shown to increase the instance of breast cancer in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. This risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, but even moderate alcohol consumption (up to one drink per day) can increase the risk. It is important to note that alcohol is also linked to other types of cancer, including liver and colon cancer. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can help lower the risk of breast cancer and other cancers.
The First Law of Motion states, “A body at rest will remain at rest, and a body in motion will remain in motion unless it is acted upon by an external force.” Movement is life.
A sedentary lifestyle and obesity are also risk factors for breast cancer and a host of other health issues. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of breast cancer. In contrast, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of breast cancer.
According to the First Law of Motion, “A body at rest will remain at rest, and a body in motion will remain in motion unless it is acted upon by an external force.” This highlights the importance of movement, as it is essential for life.
In fact, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are risk factors for not only breast cancer but also other health issues. Regular physical activity can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and lower their risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, which can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
Stress management plays a crucial role in breast cancer prevention because chronic stress can have negative effects on the body’s immune system and promote inflammation, which can increase the risk of cancer development. The immune system is responsible for identifying and destroying cancer cells before they can develop into tumors. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system’s ability to do so effectively, allowing cancer cells to multiply and form tumors. Therefore, adopting healthy stress management techniques, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Breast cancer risk can also be influenced by environmental factors such as exposure to certain chemicals and radiation. Some chemicals, such as pesticides and solvents, have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Additionally, exposure to radiation, including medical imaging procedures like X-rays and CT scans, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, reducing exposure to harmful substances and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine, can help lower the risk of developing breast cancer. It is important to be aware of potential environmental risk factors and take steps to minimize exposure to them.
Introduction to Reproductive Health and Breast Cancer Being diagnosed with
Introduction For many breast cancer survivors, the battle doesn’t end
Introduction to Radiation Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment Facing a
Introduction to Menopause and Breast Cancer Treatments For those recently
Kwench’d © 2023. All Rights Reserved. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
