Breast Cancer Risks and Prevention

While prevention of breast cancer is not really possible, you may be able to limit its development and spread (metastasis). Prevention depends on early identification of a tumor or pre-cancerous cells. It also requires identifying risk factors and monitoring your body for changes.

Risk factors include chronological age, abnormal genes, family history, diet and, more recently, use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). You have no control over some of these factors, but others may be managed.

The incidence of the disease rises with age following menopause and is uncommon prior to it. A family history of breast cancer does not mean you will develop it; however, the odds are significantly greater.

Women using birth control pills run a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. After ten years of not taking birth control pills, however, the increased risk drops away.

Research on the role of diet as a breast cancer risk factor or method of prevention has been inconclusive. Some evidence suggests that certain fruits and vegetables help lower the odds and that fish and vegetable oils high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats and antioxidants seem beneficial. Other research indicates that consumption of certain foods, such as hormone-containing meats and high fat foods, increase breast cancer risk.

Research suggests that in some cases breastfeeding slightly lowers breast cancer risk. Whether it is the breastfeeding itself that reduces the risk or something associated with breastfeeding is not clear. Mastitis, a condition usually associated with breastfeeding, occurs when one or more milk ducts become blocked and a bacterial infection ensues. No evidence indicates that mastitis predisposes a woman to cancer.

According to the 2002 results of a study from Belgium, the serum concentration of organochloride compounds (DDT/DDE and HCB) were significantly higher in women with breast cancer than in healthy women. In addition, the results also revealed that the concentrations of these pesticides in the blood were not affected by the cancer'sresponse to estrogen. Neither DDT nor HCB is currently used in the U.S.

Earlier studies produced conflicting results. For example, a three year study (1994-1997) study at Yale Cancer Center indicated that exposure to organochloride compounds (DDE & PCB) was not associated with an increase risk of breast cancer.

HRT and breast cancer is of increasing interest as research begins to show that some women after menopause may be at higher risk. As with birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy or augmentation can significantly affect normal body functions.

The topic is highly controversial because many studies show no increased likelihood while others show an increased risk of breast cancer between thirty and fifty percent with long term HRT. Early studies suggested that taking HRT might provide other benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and hip fracture. But a recent major clinical trial in the U.S. indicates that long-term use of HRT can seriously damage women's health and actually increase heart disease.

If you are considering HRT, how do you resolve the HRT and breast cancer issue? You might begin by assessing your personal risk. If you have a high risk of breast cancer and a low risk of heart disease and hip fracture, perhaps you should not elect for hormone replacement therapy. When the research evidence conflicts, be cautious and discuss HRT options with your doctor.

Your mindset towards breast cancer prevention may help or hinder its development. Cancer organizations are unanimous in encouraging women who are over 40 years of age to have an annual exam. They also encourage a monthly self exam. Maintaining your health and making lifestyle adjustments are key elements of a preventive attitude.

Resources

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2002, August 20). Two new hormone replacement therapy reviews support findings of recently halted clinical trial. AHRQ Press Release.

Charlier, C., Albert, A., Herman, P., Hamoir, E., Gaspard, U., Meurisse, M., Plomteux, G. (2003, May). Breast cancer and serum organochlorine residues. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 60(5), 348-51.

University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center. (updated 2002). Risk factors and breast cancer. OncoLink.

Yale Cancer Center. (2000, February 18). No link found between PCBs and DDE and breast cancer risk in women. YYC News Release.