Welcome to Dr. Swati Suradkar

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally. While the exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing the disease. It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop breast cancer, but understanding these factors can help you take proactive steps towards prevention and early detection.

Risk factors are characteristics or behaviors that can increase the likelihood of developing a particular disease. In the case of breast cancer, some of these risk factors are modifiable (meaning they can be controlled) and others are non-modifiable (meaning they cannot be changed). Here, we explore both types of risk factors.

• Women are at a higher risk for breast cancer compared to men. While men can develop breast cancer, it is much less common. Over 99% of breast cancer cases occur in women.
   

• The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50, particularly after menopause. The risk is highest for women aged 60 and older.
   

• A family history of breast cancer increases the risk. If your mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer, your chances of developing the disease are higher.
   
• Inherited gene mutations can significantly increase the risk. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most well-known, but other genes, such as PALB2 and TP53, may also increase risk.
   
• If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or other cancers linked to genetic mutations, you may want to discuss genetic testing with your healthcare provider.
   

• If you've had breast cancer in one breast, you are at an increased risk of developing it in the other breast or in a different part of the same breast.
   

• Dense breast tissue can make it harder to detect tumors on mammograms and can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Women with dense breasts have more glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue.
   

• Women who use hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms, particularly combined estrogen and progesterone, may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.

• Diet: A high-fat diet, particularly one rich in red or processed meats, can contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended.
   
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise reduces breast cancer risk. Women who are physically active have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who are sedentary.
   
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese, particularly after menopause, increases the risk. Fat tissue produces additional estrogen, which can fuel the growth of some types of breast cancer.
   

• Excessive alcohol use increases the risk of breast cancer. Even moderate drinking, defined as one drink a day or more, can elevate risk. Limiting alcohol intake can help reduce your overall risk.
   

• Smoking is linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in premenopausal women. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the DNA in breast cells, leading to cancer development.
   

• Women who have received radiation therapy to the chest area, particularly at a young age, have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life. This is why protective measures are taken in radiation treatments today.
   

• Some studies suggest that oral contraceptives (birth control pills) slightly increase breast cancer risk, particularly for women who take them for several years. The increased risk tends to decrease after discontinuing the pill.
   

• Women who never had children or delayed childbirth until later in life (after age 30) may have an increased risk. This is thought to be related to hormonal exposure over a woman's lifetime, though the overall risk remains relatively low.
   

• Studies have suggested that not breastfeeding or breastfeeding for a short period may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Breastfeeding may reduce exposure to estrogen, a hormone linked to breast cancer.
   

• Caucasian women are more likely to develop breast cancer than women of other ethnic groups. However, African American women tend to be diagnosed at a younger age, and they may have more aggressive forms of the disease.
   

• Women who started menstruating early (before age 12) or experienced late menopause (after age 55) are at a slightly higher risk due to longer exposure to estrogen and progesterone hormones.
   

• If you've had a breast biopsy that revealed certain non-cancerous conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), your risk of developing breast cancer may be slightly higher.
   

While some risk factors, such as genetics or family history, cannot be changed, many of the lifestyle factors listed above can be managed to reduce the overall risk. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
   
• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.
   
• Consider your reproductive choices, such as breastfeeding and the timing of childbearing.
   
• Talk to your doctor about genetic testing, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or inherited gene mutations.

Understanding your breast cancer risk is the first step in taking control of your health. While certain risk factors are beyond your control, adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying vigilant with regular screenings and self-exams can help reduce your risk and catch breast cancer early. Always consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your individual risk and how best to monitor and manage it.

If you’re concerned about your risk for breast cancer or have any questions, feel free to contact me at my clinic for a consultation. Together, we can assess your risk and discuss the best prevention and detection strategies for your health.