Are you at risk of developing breast cancer? We will find out

World Cancer Day 2021: Of the many types of cancers, there is one form that can be prevented by timely screening and precaution. Known as cervical cancer, this condition is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and has emerged as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Indian women. Statistics show that there are 122,000 new cases of breast cancer each year in the country, with 67,500 women suffering from the disease, making up 11.1% of total cancer-related deaths. On World Cancer Day on February 4, it is crucial to understand the risk factors that can lead women to breast cancer.

A risk feature refers to something that may be more likely to get a health condition. Similarly, there are some things that can lead women to breast cancer. Of these, there are several that can be avoided.

World Cancer Day: Here are a few breast cancer risk factors you must have

1. HPV or human papillomavirus disease

This is one of the most important risk factors for cervical cancer. There are over 150 types of viruses. HPV infection can infect cells on the surface of the skin and lining the genitals, etc. The disease can be spread from person to person through skin contact or sexual activity. High-risk HPV is linked to cervical cancer in women. This is greater when HPV infection tends to become chronic. It is possible to treat the abnormal cell growth caused by HPV infection. The risk of getting cervical cancer can also be reduced through HPV vaccines.

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2. History of sexual activity

This is one of the main potential risk factors for cervical cancer. Callousness in a person’s sexual activity can contribute to HPV and thus increase the likelihood of cancer. This is greater when a person is sexually active at a young age, with many sexual partners or a high-risk partner.

3. Smoking

Smoking leads a person to various cancer-causing chemicals – both active and passive. The harmful substances in tobacco smoke can be absorbed through the lungs and carried throughout the body by the flow of blood. Studies show that women who smoke are at double risk for breast cancer. The substances in tobacco tend to damage the DNA of cervical cells and smoking also weakens the immune system.

4. Weak immunity

A strong immune system not only keeps one healthy but is also responsible for destroying cancer cells, and stopping their growth and spread. In women with certain conditions such as HIV, breast cancer may develop faster than normal. Another area at risk is weakened immune women receiving treatment for autoimmune disorders with specific drugs that suppress the immune response.

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5. Using antifreeze for a long time

Women who use oral contraceptives for a long time are also at risk of developing cervical cancer. It is important to understand that oral contraceptives must be taken and consumed only if the specialist advises. Women should understand whether the benefits of using live oral contraceptives outweigh the similar risks.

Full-time pregnancy

Women with three or more full-time pregnancies are at increased risk of exposure to HPV infection as a result of sexual activity and, therefore, cervical cancer. Another factor that raises the risk of cancer is the hormonal changes during pregnancy. In addition to this, pregnancy also leads to weakened immunity, which is also a cause for concern.

Women between the ages of 20-70 and those who are sexually active should regularly test themselves for this virus, as early detection can stop the growth of cancer cells and prevent the infection. -position from scattering. If not identified, the cancer can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body, at which point it can be fatal. Pap smear is a test performed to detect breast cancer and is recommended every three years over the age of 30. If previous tests have been routine, a Pap smear test should be performed. HPV every five years. A complete pelvic examination is also performed during this examination.

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It is also important for teenage women and girls to take special steps to avoid the risk of getting this disease:

• Reduce the chances of getting hold of the HPV by avoiding sexual contact with multiple partners without proper protection.
• Have a Pap test done every 3 years as timely detection can help cure this condition.
• Stop smoking immediately. Nicotine and other components found in cigarettes can pass through the bloodstream and gain a deposit in the cervix where they can alter the growth of cervical cells. Smoking can also suppress your immune system and make you more susceptible to HPV infections.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Maintaining a healthy weight as being obese or obese increases the risk of insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes and the risk of developing cancer.

In conclusion

Poor sexual and reproductive health usually affects women and adolescents. It is important to dispel popular misconceptions about sex, contraception, timely screening for disease or sexually transmitted disease – this is more for a country like ours where the subject is still socially taboo. It is also essential to understand that fair advice from a source that is better appreciated than advice from peers, the internet and word of mouth.

(Dr Vishal Sehgal, Medical Director, Portea Medical)

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