July 05, 2024 08:02 PM IST
Oncologists said women who give birth at a young age have a higher risk of breast cancer than those who give birth later.
Breast cancer is a serious health concern among women. It is driven by several factors such as weight gain, alcohol consumption and lack of regular exercise. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ritika Harjani Hinduja, Consultant – Radiation Oncology, PD Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said, “A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is related to her exposure to hormones produced by her ovaries (endogenous oestrogen and progesterone).”
“Reproductive factors that increase the duration and/or level of exposure to ovarian hormones, which stimulate cell growth, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Early onset of menstruation, late onset of menopause, and other factors are also responsible for allowing breast tissue to be exposed to high levels of hormones for a longer period of time, such as older age at first pregnancy and never giving birth.”
Also read: Hina Khan diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer: What every woman should know about symptoms and tests
The oncologist further explained that there is a complex relationship between childbearing and breast cancer:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding reduce a woman’s lifetime number of menstrual cycles and thus her cumulative exposure to endogenous hormones, which is associated with a reduction in breast cancer risk. Differentiating or maturing breast cells so that they can effectively produce milk are just some of the types of effects that pregnancy and breastfeeding have on a woman’s body. These cells are more resistant to cancer.
ALSO READ: Premature menopause may increase risk of breast and ovarian cancer, says study
Gestational age:
The age at which a woman gives birth to her first child and the number of times she gives birth are related to breast cancer risk. Pregnancy can increase a woman’s short-term risk of cancer, while it also reduces cancer risk in the long term. Women who give birth to their first child at an early age have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who conceive late or do not give birth at all.
Genetic damage to cells:
Breast cells grow rapidly during pregnancy. Therefore, any genetic damage to breast cells during pregnancy is replicated as they grow. This rapid replication of genetic damage can also lead to breast cancer.
Also read: Breast cancer may cause one million deaths every year by 2040! Is obesity a risk factor for breast cancer?
Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer:
Having more than one child can sometimes lead to abnormal growth of hormone-negative cells, and this may lead to a more aggressive type of hormone-negative cancer.