Professional shares three little-known components that would improve breast most cancers threat
Breast cancer is the commonest kind of most cancers within the UK. Consultant Lester Barr shared his experience on the chance components.
While individuals are aware of a mammogram – an X-ray of the breast tissue – they might not know a mammography might additionally detect breast density.
“Dense breasts are not abnormal, but higher density breasts have an increased risk of breast cancer,” mentioned Barr.
“Breast density tests are a great advancement in breast cancer research and are a good option if you want to have a better understanding of your risk.”
Barr added: “While it isn’t currently available on the NHS, we are working towards making this available to all.”
In order to grasp your particular person threat of breast most cancers, it is useful to know your loved ones well being historical past.
“You may not know that there are now 12 genes known to cause breast cancer, not just BRCA1 and BRCA2, which you may have heard of,” mentioned Barr.
“If you have a strong family history of cancer, you could qualify for a genetic blood test which will examine for these mutations.”
Barr mentioned: “Generally, the closer the relative and the younger they were when diagnosed with breast cancer, the higher the risk for others in the family.
“Numbers rely too; extra relations with breast most cancers means elevated threat.”
Women who have a strong family history of breast cancer may be eligible for breast cancer screening before the age of 50.
In the UK, all females between the ages of 50 to 71 will be invited for a breast screening every three years.
Lifestyle choices can also impact a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Barr said: “There is powerful proof that [correlations] rise in physique weight, lack of train and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to elevated breast most cancers threat.
“Understanding all these risk factors allows a personalised risk prediction and prevention.”
Three little-known threat components of breast most cancers:
- Breast density
- Genetics
- Lifestyle components
Barr harassed “no two people’s risk of breast cancer is exactly the same”.
By minimising alcohol consumption and growing train ranges, you may assist to minimise your personalised threat of creating breast most cancers.
Lester Barr is the guide breast surgeon and founding father of Prevent Breast Cancer.