The reason we should be wary of the cause of breast cancer is because breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. In 2012, breast cancer was ranked first as the most common type of cancer in women with a percentage of 43.3%. In the United States, one in eight women suffer from this disease. Our country also experienced a situation that is not much different. Based on data collected from Dharmais Cancer Hospital from 2010 to 2013, data were obtained that breast cancer cases were the most, followed by cervicalcancer and lung cancer who occupy the second and third positions.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that grows from breast cells. Many people assume that breast cancer can only attack women. But the fact is, men did not escape from breast cancer although the percentage is smaller. One example of men affected by breast cancer is the father of a reliable singer and musician Melly Goeslaw, who breathed his last breath after suffering suffering from breast cancer and lung cancer.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
The occurrence of breast cancer is due to normal breast cells undergoing DNA mutations into malignant cells. In human DNA there is a gene called proto-oncogenes , which helps to support cell growth. When the gene undergoes a mutation, the cells controlled by the gene will grow out of control and eventually become cancerous.
The cause of breast cancer to date has not been known for certain. Health experts can only mention some risk factors, where if a person has these risk factors, he has a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer. Here are the risk factors, some of which can not be modified, but others can be avoided to minimize the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
- Gender
Female sex is one of breast cancer risk factors. As has been said before, men can also suffer from breast cancer. However, it is undeniable that the disease is 100 times more attacking women than men. This may be because men have much lower estrogen and progesterone hormones (both these hormones contribute to the growth of cancer cells that cause breast cancer).
- Age
In addition to gender, age becomes one of the risk factors that can not be modified. The more age a person, the risk he gets breast cancer is getting bigger. Breast cancer that can metastasize to other limbs is found in women aged 55 years or older.
- There are family members who suffer from breast cancer
Women with close family members who suffer from breast cancer have a greater risk for breast cancer also. Furthermore, women with mothers / sisters / girls who have breast cancer have a 2-fold risk of developing breast cancer. Why does this happen? It has been explained that the cause of breast cancer is due to a mutation of the gene that causes uncontrolled cell growth. This mutation of the gene is sometimes 'inherited' to the next offspring.
- Age at first menstruation and at menopause
Women who have more menstrual cycles during their lifetime (because of age when they first get menstruation under 12 years old) have a slightly greater likelihood of developing breast cancer. This increased risk may be due to their body exposed to estrogen and progesterone hormones longer.
In addition to age at first menstruation, the age at which a woman enters menopause is also included in one of the risk factors for breast cancer. Generally, women entering menopause after age 55 are at greater risk (although only slightly) for breast cancer. The reason is the same, that is because their bodies exposed to estrogen and progesterone hormones longer.
- Consumption of alcohol
Sex, age, family history, or age at first menstruation and at menopause are irreversible risk factors for breast cancer. But do not be discouraged. You can still make lifestyle modifications to prevent or minimize the possibility of gene mutations that cause uncontrolled growth of breast cancer-causing cells.
One lifestyle modification that you can do is avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Not only that, someone who consumes excessive alcohol also has a greater risk for other types of cancer.
- Postmenopausal obesity
Being overweight, especially after menopause, can also lead to abnormal growth of breast cancer-causing cells. Before menopause, most estrogen production is done by the ovaries. Fatty tissue produces only a small amount of estrogen.
After menopause, where the ovaries no longer produce estrogen, the body automatically depends only on the fat tissue to produce estrogen. In people who are overweight, more fat is buried in the body after menopause automatically increase estrogen levels and increase the likelihood of breast cancer.
- Lack of physical activity
In an increasingly sedentary age today, people find it easier to find excuses for not doing physical activity or exercising regularly. In fact, physical activity and regular exercise not only can prevent abnormal growth of cells that cause breast cancer, but also can maintain health and body fitness holistically. In a study published by the Women's Health Initiative , a short walk of 2.5 hours per week can reduce a person's likelihood of breast cancer by 18%.
- No children and / or no breastfeeding
Women who do not have children or have their first child at age above 30 years have a higher risk for breast cancer. We certainly know the benefits of breastfeeding for infants, both to meet their nutritional needs and to strengthen ties with the mother. But it turns out breastfeeding also brings benefits for the mother, among them is to prevent uncontrolled growth of breast cells that trigger cancer. Breastfeeding up to 1.5 or 2 years can lower a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
- KB hormonal
Research shows that women who use birth control pills as a contraceptive have a higher risk of breast cancer. When a woman stops taking birth control pills, the risk of developing breast cancer slowly drops to normalcy. In addition to birth control pills, other methods of contraception involving hormone-like contraceptives may also increase the risk of breast cancer. For that, before using hormonal contraception, discuss it first with the health worker who handles you about other breast cancer risk factors you have.
What about the use of deodorant? Although mentioned can cause breast cancer, but until now there has been no research that can support the statement. These are some risk factors that are thought to contribute to the abnormal growth of breast cancer-causing cells. By doing a healthy lifestyle to avoid risk factors that can be modified, breast cancer is also expected to be prevented.
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