The cause of breast cancer is not yet fully understood, but research has found that there is a certain pattern in the development of breast cancer, and women with high risk factors for breast cancer are prone to develop breast cancer. Risk factors refer to various risk factors associated with the development of breast cancer, and the risk factors that most breast cancer patients have are called high risk factors for breast cancer. What can be done to prevent breast cancer at all times of life?
As we age, our breasts go through various changes. Therefore, it is important to take good care of your breasts at each important stage.
Age 30-39
At age 30, most breast problems are benign (not cancerous). However, younger women commonly have fibrocystic breast changes, characterized by breast pain, cysts and non-cancerous lumps. Breast pain may be cyclic; it can occur with menstruation or it can be constant.
What can be done to reduce breast pain? Women are advised to “stay away from caffeine”. If the pain is unbearable, surgical removal of breast fibroids is possible.
Worried about sagging breasts?
Breastfeeding during childbirth can prevent breast cancer. Breastfeeding does not cause breast tissue to shrink. On the contrary, the expansion of the breast during breastfeeding stretches the skin of the breast.
And when the breasts contract, the loose skin can make the breasts look saggier than before.
In fact, studies have shown that other causes of sagging breasts are: too large a bra cup used during pregnancy, more pregnancies, smoking and aging.
Another cause of breast sagging is the stretching of the fibrous ligaments within the breasts, also called the suspensory ligaments of the breasts.
Since the breasts have no muscles, breast sagging cannot be stopped, but some doctors recommend that women wear sports bras while jogging to stop the stretching of the ligaments.
Reduce the incidence of breast cancer
Breast cancer is not a common disease. Studies say that the incidence of breast cancer is only 1 in 229 between the ages of 30 and 39.
Unless there is a family history of the disease, women between the ages of 30 and 39 do not need mammograms. In fact, breast cancer in younger women is very difficult to detect with mammograms.
Women between the ages of 30 and 39 should talk to their doctor about long-term breast changes or pain. Breast pain in young women is benign, but breast cancer can also occur in young women.
Regular manual testing is still necessary, at least once a month, to familiarize yourself with your breasts and to report them to your doctor.
If you are in menopause, the ideal time to test is 5 to 10 days after the start of your period, when hormones are at their lowest and test results are most accurate.
Ages 40-49
During the age of 40, the shape of most women’s breasts changes. The rate of change is faster with age, but after menopause, the breasts become fuller and the glandular fibers diminish, causing more sagging.
At this age, cysts are the most common breast lumps. These flowing fluid sacs are benign but can be painful and can be drained or surgically removed.
Atypical ductal hyperplasia also occurs at this age, and these abnormal cells in the milk ducts can increase the incidence of breast cancer.
Data show an increased incidence of breast cancer during this period. The incidence of breast cancer is 1 in 68 for women who are between the ages of 40 and 49.
It is recommended that women have their first mammogram taken at age 40 and every two years. Those with a family history of breast or uterine cancer may be advised by their doctor to have their mammogram taken before the age of 40.