Excessive weight can trigger breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer types among women in recent years. While early diagnosis is of great importance in the fight against breast cancer, the fact that every woman after the age of 40 has breast controls once a year plays a major role in this chance of diagnosis. In order to reduce the risk of breast cancer, it is important to have a regular life, to eat healthy, to exercise, not to smoke and drink alcohol, and to pay attention to radiation and sunlight. Gaining weight and not being able to control it can trigger breast cancer. From Memorial Şişli Hospital General Surgery Department Assoc. Dr. Fatih Levent Balcı gave information about breast cancer and risk factors.

Breast cancer begins when the tissues in the breast change and reproduce continuously and turn into different cell groups. At the same time, this situation can come to the point of stopping the functions of those organs in a way that prevents the functioning of vital organs in the body.

Although there is no clear cause related to breast cancer, it is possible to say that it is genetically inherited by 10 percent. Among the theories on the causes of breast cancer are sunlight, radiation, irregular lifestyle, excessive weight gain and excessive alcohol consumption.

If one breast grows faster than the other...

Although the findings of breast cancer are very diverse, the most common complaints referred to the physician include the presence of a mass the size of walnuts or hazelnuts in the breast. The palpable tissues are round or oval. Oedema at the nipple, withdrawal from the breast skin, and roughening of the skin are among the most common complaints. Breast cancer also shows signs of a difference in size between the two breasts, or more recently with one breast growing larger than the other. Sometimes it can also be noticed only by lymph enlargement under the armpit.

Early screening is required if genetic predisposition is present

Regular control has a very important place in breast cancer, especially after the age of 40. If the person has genetic predisposition, care should be taken to perform controls at an earlier age. As a result of the physical examination performed by the physician, it is examined whether there is a mass and discharge under the armpit. As a result of the physical examination, some examinations are performed according to the hardness of the breast. Technologies such as mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI are used. It is possible to reach the clues about cancer by X-raying the breast with mammography method.

Breast calcification should also be monitored

Microcalcification, commonly known as calcification, can also be seen in the breast. Although this condition is benign, it can occasionally be a precursor to cancer. Breast calcification due to calcium accumulation in breast tissues can also be visualized on mammography. If this condition is not followed up at an advanced level, cancer may cause skipping and result in death. Therefore, mammography is an important follow-up tool for every woman.

Genetic share in breast cancer

As in all types of cancer, there is a gene share in breast cancer. Only genetic transmission in breast cancer is around 10 percent according to the statistical data so far. This rate, which is around 10 percent, reveals the possibility of genetically inherited cancer even if it is low in breast cancer. For this reason, in the family history, those with breast cancer should start their follow-up at an earlier age and should not disrupt it.

Visible from 10 to 90 years of age

It is not possible to give a clear age range in breast cancer. It is possible to encounter breast cancer in all segments of the society and in all age groups from 10 to 90 years. The incidence of breast cancer is less in men than in women. Breast cancer is seen in 1 out of every 8 women. In men, these figures are quite different. Breast cancer is seen in only 1 out of every 100 men. Alcohol has an effect on the formation of breast cancer. According to studies, excessive alcohol use increases the risk of breast cancer.

Weight control reduces the risk of breast cancer

Overweight and obesity have an effect on breast cancer. In fact, according to scientific studies, obesity increases the risk of breast cancer in men. Excessive fat, especially in the abdomen, can also trigger breast cancer. Since this also affects the oestrogen hormone, it may also cause breast cancer. Too much adipose tissue means too much oestrogen. Abdominal fat deposition is riskier for cancer than hip fat deposition. For this reason, diet and exercise should be taken into consideration to prevent breast cancer.

Prepared by the Medical Editorial Board. Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific content on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.