The world's No. 1 cancer, the unexpected reason why you get breast cancerSeoul National University Hospital Breast Endocrinology Surgery

The world's No. 1 cancer, the unexpected reason why you get breast cancerSeoul National University Hospital Breast Endocrinology Surgery

Dec 14, 2024Ehotyshamull Joy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Based on data from around the world, breast cancer is the most common cancer of all cancers. Breast cancer also has a very high mortality rate. It occurs frequently in Asia and is expected to increase even more, and in Asia, Japan and South Korea have a high incidence rate.

 

The incidence of breast cancer among Asians born in the most recent generation has surpassed that of the United States, and effective prevention and treatment strategies are urgently needed in Asia.

 

1. Causes of breast cancer
What causes breast cancer?
First, the BRCA gene mutation

BRCA1,2 mutations, which have been commonly found in the U.S. for a long time, have recently been discovered in Korea as well as in the U.S. If you have a BRCA gene mutation, the chance of developing breast cancer is about 70%, and ovarian cancer is about 30~40%.

Second, the duration of exposure to female hormones increases.

 

The risk of developing breast cancer increases with the longer you are exposed to female hormones. A decline in fertility rates due to a later age of marriage and an earlier age of menarche may contribute to the increase in breast cancer.

Third, drinking and smoking

 

Studies have consistently shown that alcohol consumption increases the risk of hormone receptor-related breast cancer, regardless of the type of alcohol.

 

It is assumed that drinking alcohol increases estrogen levels and causes DNA damage, but even a small amount of alcohol increases the risk of developing the disease, and the amount of alcohol consumed is proportional to the incidence of breast cancer.

 

Smoking is also a mildly linked cause of many cancers, not just breast cancer.

Fourth, average height increase

 

Studies have shown that the larger the height, the higher the incidence of breast cancer.

There are many other causes, such as a decrease in breastfeeding and an increase in calorie intake per person.

 

2. Symptoms of Breast Cancer
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
First, the mass * is palpable.

Second, papillary discharge, that is, blood.

Thirdly, nipple depressions, deformities and eczematous changes occur.

Fourthly, skin ulcers, redness and swelling occur.

Fifth, armpit bruises form.

Sixth, pain in the breast occurs.

*Mass: A boil that occurs due to trauma, inflammation, or other causes with clear boundaries on a part of a tissue or organ

 

3. How to prevent breast cancer
How can I prevent breast cancer?
First, you need to pay attention to your food intake.

You should always get into the habit of fasting, rice, rice cakes, noodles, and sugar. You should stay away from white foods such as salt. Processed meats, broths, foods whose origin is unknown to the eye, and foods that have been stored for a long time are also foods that should be avoided.

Second, exercise.

 

Studies have shown that intermittent high-intensity physical activity for 1,2 minutes at a time, 4 minutes a day, can reduce cancer mortality by 30%~40% and cardiovascular disease by almost 50%.

 

It's a good idea to get as much exercise as possible in your daily life, such as using public transportation and climbing stairs.

Third, have a routine mammogram.

 

Because mammography involves placing the breast between two x-ray plates and pressing on it, it tends to be avoided by women because it hurts.

 

However, women over the age of 40 should have a regular check-up at least once every two years. However, in the case of dense breasts, ultrasound is recommended because breast cancer cannot be detected quickly with mammography.

Fourth, childbirth

 

Childbirth has the greatest effect on breast cancer prevention. It is believed that breastfeeding after childbirth and maintaining a regular lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer by about 50%.

Finally, there is also the option of preventively performing surgery to remove the breast or remove the ovaries. If you are genetically at risk for breast cancer, you can effectively reduce your chances of breast cancer.

 

4. Breast Cancer Q&A: FAQs
Breast cancer, I'm curious!
Q. Is breastfeeding less likely to cause breast cancer?
There is research data that shows that women who are breastfeeding are now less likely to develop breast cancer than women who are not breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding does not prevent breast cancer 100% of the time.
Q. My mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. So, at what age should children be screened?
Due to the high risk, it is basically mandatory to get it after the age of 40. Especially if you have a family history, it is recommended to do it every year. In general, it is recommended to start 10 years before the mother's age of breast cancer.
Q. My friend has regular check-ups, but suddenly she has breast cancer. Is there any way to know in advance other than self-examination and bruise checks?
Breast cancer screening is about detecting breast cancer as early as possible, but it doesn't mean it can be prevented. It makes sense in the sense that if you do it in two-year increments, you can detect it relatively early. Self-examination is not expected to be very helpful.
Q. Isn't eating a lot of animal fats such as meat and cheese bad for breast cancer?
Yes yes. Since animal fats are saturated fats, studies have shown that eating a lot of them increases the risk of breast cancer. For this reason, it is best not to consume a lot of animal fats as much as possible, and in general, fish does not affect them at all, so you can consume them with confidence.


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