Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Young Women
In the last few decades, there has been tremendous focus in regards to cancer disease treatment and prevention. Given its growing prevalence, as well as the difficulty common modern-day treatments experience in effectively dealing with malignant tumors, the public health narrative has transitioned towards analyzing risk factors for cancer and developing prevention methods that could potentially be implemented earlier on. One of the most common types of cancer is breast cancer, which leads as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Unlike most cancers, which develop later in life and rely heavily on unfavorable inherited genetic mutations, it was found that the onset of breast cancer among young women is typically non-genetic and instead based on lifestyle risk factors.
Given the importance of non-genetic risk factors in the onset of breast cancer among young women, Daly et al. performed a comprehensive review of relevant studies investigating a variety of factors that potentially increase or decrease the rate of breast cancer in young women. The first factor analyzed was the intensity and frequency of physical activity in premenopausal women. Most kinds of physical activity were observed to decrease the risk of premenopausal breast cancer with higher intensity and longer-duration exercise showing the greatest reduction. However, the effect of recreational exercise has yet to be fully endorsed as a significant risk-mitigating factor.
Furthermore, the consumption of most types of alcohol at high doses (greater than 14 drinks per week) was shown to increase the incidence of breast cancer in young women. Additionally, much like with many other types of cancers, especially lung cancer, active smoking and passive smoking (second-hand smoking) were both shown to increase the rate of breast cancer in this target demographic. Tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens (cancer-causing compounds), such as benzenes, carbon monoxide, and others that can exacerbate bodily functions and possibly induce genetic mutations, thereby increasing the risk of developing cancer.
Given the importance of non-genetic risk factors in the onset of breast cancer among young women, Daly et al. performed a comprehensive review of relevant studies investigating a variety of factors that potentially increase or decrease the rate of breast cancer in young women. The first factor analyzed was the intensity and frequency of physical activity in premenopausal women. Most kinds of physical activity were observed to decrease the risk of premenopausal breast cancer with higher intensity and longer-duration exercise showing the greatest reduction. However, the effect of recreational exercise has yet to be fully endorsed as a significant risk-mitigating factor.
Furthermore, the consumption of most types of alcohol at high doses (greater than 14 drinks per week) was shown to increase the incidence of breast cancer in young women. Additionally, much like with many other types of cancers, especially lung cancer, active smoking and passive smoking (second-hand smoking) were both shown to increase the rate of breast cancer in this target demographic. Tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens (cancer-causing compounds), such as benzenes, carbon monoxide, and others that can exacerbate bodily functions and possibly induce genetic mutations, thereby increasing the risk of developing cancer.
Smoking is a well-known and well-researched risk factor for a variety of cancers, including lung and breast cancer.
Image Source: realworkhard
Night shift work was another factor researched in this study. The researchers concluded that prolonged night shift work is associated with an increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The mechanism of action in this instance likely stems from long-term disruption of sleep cycles and hormones like melatonin affecting breast tumor growth. Further research in this area is still required for better understanding.
One of the final main risk factors discussed in the study was hormonal contraceptives, which are commonly used in women aged less than 40. The duration and frequency of hormonal contraceptives have been shown to increase breast cancer risk in young women due to dangerous disruptions of normal hormonal balances as well as the menstruation cycle. Some preliminary research has also shown a decrease in breast cancer among women who become pregnant at a younger age and those who are breastfeeding.
The devastation that breast cancer has inflicted upon countless people has propelled cancer treatment research to work on developing more ideal methods for improving patient outcomes. However, significant thought should be placed on understanding how lifestyle factors can potentially increase or decrease the chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer among young, healthy women. Although further investigative efforts are needed in these areas, the effects of physical activity, alcohol, smoking, night shift work, and hormonal contraceptives must also be considered.
One of the final main risk factors discussed in the study was hormonal contraceptives, which are commonly used in women aged less than 40. The duration and frequency of hormonal contraceptives have been shown to increase breast cancer risk in young women due to dangerous disruptions of normal hormonal balances as well as the menstruation cycle. Some preliminary research has also shown a decrease in breast cancer among women who become pregnant at a younger age and those who are breastfeeding.
The devastation that breast cancer has inflicted upon countless people has propelled cancer treatment research to work on developing more ideal methods for improving patient outcomes. However, significant thought should be placed on understanding how lifestyle factors can potentially increase or decrease the chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer among young, healthy women. Although further investigative efforts are needed in these areas, the effects of physical activity, alcohol, smoking, night shift work, and hormonal contraceptives must also be considered.
Featured Image Source: marcojean20
RELATED ARTICLES
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
