Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally. It begins when cells in the breast grow abnormally, often forming a lump or mass. Early detection of breast cancer is important for successful treatment and understanding body signals like hormonal changes plays a vital role in early detection.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare, consultant-surgical oncology and breast oncoplastic surgeon at HCG Cancer Center in Borivali, Mumbai, said, “Hormonal fluctuations are a natural part of life in women, which include puberty, menstruation, etc. , occurs during pregnancy and pregnancy. Menopause. However, some of these changes may indicate early symptoms of breast cancer, so it is important to pay attention to them. Recognizing these signs early can be life-saving.
She shared, “Breast cancer occurs when uncontrolled cell growth in the breast leads to the formation of tumors that can spread to other areas of the body. Estrogen and progesterone have been found to be particularly important during this process. They control the growth and formation of breast tissue; However, when this balance is disrupted, or it is produced in excess, it leads to irregular cell growth, putting a person at greater risk of developing breast cancer.
Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare reveals, “The normal range of estrogen in the female body should not exceed 30 to 400 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) after the onset of menstruation and 0 to 30 pg/mL after menopause. However, progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and even during pregnancy. Progesterone levels of 2 to 25 nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL) in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and 10 to 290 ng/mL during different stages of pregnancy are considered normal. Whereas testosterone levels should not exceed 15-70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 0.5-2.4 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). If the levels of these hormones go beyond these limits, it is important to seek medical attention.
How can hormonal changes cause breast cancer?
Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare answered, “The female body is constantly developing, and sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the primary sources that drive these changes. It brings unique changes in different stages of life. Despite the fact that these changes are normal, there is a possibility that they may increase the risk of health problems such as breast cancer. Women also experience hormonal changes during different stages of their lives such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
Although hormonal changes are necessary for the proper functioning of the human body, when they persist or occur in excess, they can increase the risk of breast cancer in the following ways –
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy: For example, during pregnancy, the body needs to secrete very high levels of progesterone and estrogen during the gestational period to provide the necessary nutrition to the fetus. This is a normal process, but prolonged exposure to these hormones in large amounts can promote the proliferation of breast cells that often become malignant.
- Early onset of menstrual cycle and late menopause: Similarly, during the menstrual cycle the female body produces steroid hormones like estrogen and this directly affects the growth and function of the breasts. Estrogen risk increases if a woman has premature menstruation or a late onset of menopause. Prolonged exposure to it increases the chances of abnormal cell formation in the breast, which increases the chances of developing breast cancer.
- hormone replacement therapy: Additionally, as women approach menopause and their bodies are unable to produce enough sex hormones, they may need to receive hormone replacement therapy. This makes them more vulnerable because the treatments usually introduce synthetic hormones into the body that cause an imbalance of progesterone and estrogen. Therefore, women who are receiving hormonal therapy to address menopause symptoms are advised to consult a doctor to weigh its advantages and disadvantages.
Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare assures, “Hormonal imbalance is an inevitable part of life but women can reduce the chances of breast cancer by taking necessary precautions. Women who take care of their health may know how hormone changes can affect the body. The best way to achieve natural hormonal balance is to lead a healthy lifestyle. These are achieved through workouts, proper nutrition and maintaining optimal weight levels. Another important thing is to avoid alcohol and smoking as these are one of the risk factors for breast cancer. In addition, a woman should have regular mammograms and examine her breasts regularly as early detection improves survival rates.
Steps to prevent breast cancer
The range of treatment options for breast cancer depends on the stage and when it is detected. “Those options are radiation therapy, surgery and hormone therapy,” suggested Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare. Regular screening is essential for breast cancer prevention as it provides more treatment options upon diagnosis and better outcome. While the female body will always be subject to hormonal fluctuations, most risks can be prevented if the woman is informed and uses simple prevention techniques. Understanding how hormones affect breast cancer risk gives women control over their health choices.
They concluded, “Advances in medical research have helped us shed light on the complex interplay between female sex hormones and the development of breast cancer. This has ushered in a new era of advanced treatment options to treat breast cancer using targeted hormone therapy and personalized medication plans. By advancing our understanding of the role of hormones in breast cancer development, we have been able to optimize therapeutic strategies to improve treatment outcomes and increase life expectancy for women whose lives are severely compromised by breast cancer. Is affected by.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
