October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The month aims to spread awareness about breast cancer and how the disease impacts the health and well-being of an individual. Breast cancer is a type of cancer wherein cancerous cells develop in one or both breasts.
It is one of the most common forms of cancer among women. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally.
There are several factors that increase your risk of breast cancer. When you understand them and take the necessary steps, it can help to reduce your risks of developing the disease. These can be genetic factors, lifestyle factors or hormonal factors among others.
Here, take a look at some of the factors that can increase your risk of breast cancer. Genetic Mutations Inherited gene mutations, especially in BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase your risk of breast cancer. These mutations can be passed down from either parent, and women with these mutations have a higher lifetime probability of developing breast cancer.
Other gene mutations like PALB2, TP53, and CHEK2 also contribute, though less commonly. Family History Women who have a close family member (mother, sister, daughter) who had breast cancer are at an increased risk. Having multiple relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, especially at younger ages, further increases the risk.
However, there are several women with breast cancer who do not have a family history. This means .