There is an increasing rate of Breast Cancer in South Africa with one in eight women affected with Breast Cancer. About 5 to 10 percent of people diagnosed with breast cancer have inherited an increased risk of developing the disease specifically the BRCA genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Below are some risk factors which appear to slightly increase one’s risk for developing breast cancer:
Age
Personal history of breast cancer
Radiation exposure
Dense breast tissue
Family history of breast cancer
Gene mutations
Early menstruation or late menopause
Age at first pregnancy
Benign breast disease
Hormone replacement therapy
Oral birth control
Being overweight or obese
Age
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. The South African health guidelines recommend starting the routine annual mammogram screening at age 40 years.
Women in their 30s have a one in 227 chance of developing breast cancer.
If there is any pain, lump or concern about the breast at this age, having an ultrasound of the breasts would be a good start to assess the breast.
Women in their 60s have a one in 28 chance.
Personal history
If you’ve have had a personal history of breast cancer, your risk for developing breast cancer is higher by 5-10 times the general population and will require you to have an annual screening mammogram and monthly breast self-examination.
Family history
There are many women with breast cancer that have some family history of the disease. However, a small percentage of all cases of breast cancer are passed down. There is a 2-3 x’s increased risk more likely than the average woman to develop breast cancer if a first-degree relative (your mother, sister, or daughter) has had the disease. Some cases of hereditary breast cancer are linked to mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2.
BRCA and PALB2 gene mutations
Mutations are changes in the molecular pattern of DNA which raises the risk of breast cancer. This abnormal gene can be inherited from either one’s dad or mum.
The BRCA genes and the PALB2 gene help cells repair their DNA when it becomes damaged due to lifestyle influences and ageing.
If one does not have these mutations, they have two normal copies of these genes, and therefore are at lower risk of developing breast cancer than those with a mutation.
A single normal gene is sufficient for good health. If that healthy gene is lost only the mutated is left behind impairing the ability to repair the DNA. This is when cancer can develop.
Women with BRCA mutation have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Men with BRCA mutations may be at an increased risk of developing male breast cancer and prostate cancer.
PALB2 mutations are also associated with >pancreatic cancer.
Consider genetic counselling for you or your family if:-
- There are many members of your family, including multiple generations of your family, that have been diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer.
- your breast cancer was diagnosed at a fairly young age (under age 50)
- both your breasts had breast cancer
Speak to your physician about genetic counselling and testing.
Early menstruation or late menopause
If you have started your menstrual periods before age 12 or went through menopause after age 50, you have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. This is thought due to prolonged estrogen exposure.
Age at first pregnancy
If you had your first child after the age of 30 or have never had children, you’re at a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
Benign breast disease
Having had breast cysts, fibrocystic changes (which cause the breasts to feel lumpy), or small growths in the milk ducts called intraductal papillomas does not mean you will have breast cancer.
Oral birth control
Birth control pills raise your risk of breast cancer very slightly. The increased risk disappears about a decade after you stop taking them. Oral birth control is thought to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Being overweight or obese
Having excess weight does increase your risk of breast cancer. It also increases the chance that breast cancer will return after treatment, particularly after menopause. This is because adipose tissue secretes estrogen increasing your exposure.
What is overweight? This is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher.
RADIATION
This is higher in women who were exposed to radiation during the first two to three decades of their lives eg. radiation to the chest for the treatment of cancers, eg lymphoma, or to treat acne or a big thymus gland.
Radiation from a mammogram, however, is very small and does not increase your risk of breast cancer.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your risk, speak to your physician to arrange a mammogram for you at our ‘Just for Women’ Mammography Centre of Excellence with our Breast Imaging Experts.