Breast cancer has emerged as a serious concern, especially in urban areas, with lifestyle choices and nutritional status at the forefront of this growing challenge. Initially, the primary risk factors were age and gender but the landscape has evolved.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Meghal Sanghvi, surgical oncologist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, shared, “Westernization of lifestyle has become a significant contributor to the increase in breast cancer cases in countries like India. Risk factors previously limited to age and gender have grown to include alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity and increased stress levels. Sedentary lifestyles and the shift toward processed, junk foods have brought hormonal changes into the equation, with early menstruation and late menopause also contributing to increased rates of breast cancer. However, these risk factors are not insurmountable.”
The health expert suggested, “By adopting a disciplined lifestyle, prioritizing physical activity and reconnecting with our cultural roots, we can navigate the modern world more consciously. It is important to strike a balance, recognizing that there is a point when we have to stop the constant pursuit of modern lifestyle and return to the fundamentals of wellness. Through conscious choices and a return to our cultural heritage, we can actively combat the prevalence of breast cancer, making prevention an achievable goal.
Emphasizing that lifestyle choices play an important role in the field of breast cancer prevention, Pritam Jain, Medical Oncologist, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai, said, “As we delve into the interesting interrelationship between individual choices and health, As a result, it becomes clear that certain lifestyle decisions can significantly affect the risk of breast cancer. Late marriage, lack of children, and absence of breastfeeding contribute to this risk. Additionally, sedentary lifestyle and obesity, especially after menopause, increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Another aspect of lifestyle choices includes the use of hormonal pills containing estrogen therapy, which may have a possible connection to breast cancer. These decisions are highly individual, and the risks must be carefully assessed.”
They concluded, “It is paramount to accept the warning labels on such pills, which emphasize the possibility of an association with breast cancer. When it comes to nutrition and lifestyle, the risk of breast cancer can increase with stressful, excessive work routines, smoking, alcohol consumption and inadequate physical activity. Regular exercise and a balanced diet devoid of junk food and high-calorie, fatty foods are important. Just 20 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week, can go a long way in reducing the risk of breast cancer. In the fight against this growing threat, it is clear that the choices we make in our daily lives can be helpful in our effort to prevent breast cancer.
