Your health, in your control.
When 50% of Breast Cancer occurs between 25 to 50 years of age, it’s never too soon to care.
Recent research suggests that the median age for breast cancer is getting younger. And it’s because age is just one of the many factors involved. The first step to preventing breast cancer is understanding the different determinants that affect your chances of getting breast cancer. Take our quiz to know what factors affect your chances.
What affects our chances of getting Breast Cancer?
There are two types of risks associated with Breast Cancer. The first set has to do with our genetic makeup and family and personal medical history, and the second set is related to our lifestyle.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors that put you at risk for Breast Cancer
Your gender
99% of breast cancer happen to women.
Being 25+
50% breast cancer cases happen between 25-50 years of age.
A relative with cancer
A first-degree relative with cancer doubles the chances.
Genes
11 genes including BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 are related to breast cancer.
Your menstrual history
Getting your periods before 12.
Having dense breasts
Having more connective tissue than fatty tissue.
Late menopause
Hitting menopause after 55 years.
Radiation therapy
If you have had radiation therapy as a child or young adult.
Controllable Risk factors that can put us at risk of Breast Cancer
Your pregnancy history
Not carrying a full-term pregnancy or having a child after turning 35.
Not breastfeeding
Not lactating increases the chances.
A sedentary lifestyle
Not exercising especially after menopause.
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Linked to breast and other cancers.
Using hormonal birth control
Risk decreases after stopping its use.
Processed and fatty foods
Not carrying a full-term pregnancy or having a child after turning 35.
Can genes affect our chances?
Scientists have now discovered over 11 genes that are connected to Breast Cancer but the most prominent amongst those are BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. BRCA or Breast Cancer genes are two pairs of genes inherited from each parent. They create a protein that helps repair the wear and tear of our DNA. This keeps our damaged cells from multiplying before they become healthy, essentially preventing cancer. Imagine it as a friendly doctor that repairs your nicks and cuts before they become too big to heal on their own.
A harmful variant in BRCA 1 or 2 gene is mostly inherited from one of the parent and indicates your body is unable to stop cells with damaged DNA from dividing. If you have a family history of breast cancer, a simple genetic test can reveal whether you are a carrier.
What does testing positive for BRCA 1 & 2 mean?
70% increased risk
of developing Breast Cancer in your lifetime
Up to 15% of Breast Cancers occur in women carrying the gene mutation
You may pass the variant to your children
The ground zero for catching Breast Cancer at stage 0.
A 3D mammogram can detect lumps as small as 0.3mm and as early as two years before any symptoms, making it the most effective and efficient way of keeping ourselves cancer-free.
