The Impact Of Lifestyle Factors On The Increased Risk of Breast Tumours

As per the latest medical reports, the prevalence of breast tumours is on the rise globally. Over the years, studies show that there has also been a significant increase in breast cancer, particularly among young women, with new cases increasing every year. This has raised alarm for healthcare professionals worldwide, making breast cancer a global concern.
Advancements in medical science have made it easier for oncologists to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage than it was a few years back. Moreover, public awareness and better access to healthcare facilities have also encouraged women to go for screening and seek medical attention, resulting in more diagnosed cases.

Breast Tumour: An Overview

When there is an uncontrolled way of abnormal cells in the breast tissue, it is known as a tumour. It can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If not removed at the right time, the tumour gradually turns cancerous and starts to multiply in the nearby lymph nodes and organs.
Benign tumours might not need extensive treatment, but it is advised to go for monitoring if you experience changes in your breast and nipple shape, pain, or the growth of a lump. Once the tumour becomes cancerous, treatment becomes quite complicated.
But the question is, why are breast tumours increasing so much? According to the opinion of researchers, genetics and family history definitely play an important role, but lifestyle factors also contribute to the development of tumours in the breast tissues.

Lifestyle Factors Linked To The Rise Of Breast Tumours

So, let’s know the changes one can make in their daily routine to prevent the disease.

• Obesity: Not all fats are healthy. In fact, a diet high in processed foods leads to the accumulation of unhealthy fats and ultimately weight gain. Obesity after menopause stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone, which is a major cause of the growth of breast tumours.
• Physical inactivity: Lack of physical movement is another reason behind the prevalence of breast cancer. Leading a sedentary life disrupts the hormonal balance, particularly estrogen and insulin, which leads to abnormal breast cell growth.
• Alcohol consumption and smoking: Researchers have established that alcohol consumption and smoking have a clear connection to the development of breast tumours, especially among the younger generation.
• Increasing use of contraceptives: Birth control pills contain a large amount of synthetic estrogen and progesterone which changes the hormonal balance. Prolonged use of contraceptives increases the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast tumour cells.
• Menopausal hormonal therapy: To prevent the symptoms of menopause, some women resort to menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT). MHT, when combined with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) promote the likelihood of breast tumours and even increases its chance to be diagnosed at the advanced stage.

Conclusion

Preventing breast tumours requires a holistic approach that includes managing both diet and lifestyle. In case you have a family history of tumours or breast cancer, make sure to go for screening to detect the abnormal cells at the initial stage.
It is important to note that once any kind of cancer reaches Stage 3 or 4, treatment becomes more intensive. Along with surgical intervention, other methods like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also required, which at times become challenging for patients to endure. Hence, make sure to notice the unusual symptoms in your body and consult an oncologist at the right time.