From the Guidelines
The frequency of breast cancer is increasing due to a combination of factors, including improved screening methods, lifestyle changes, and genetic factors, as well as longer life expectancy and increased exposure to risk factors such as hormone replacement therapy and environmental pollutants 1. The rising incidence of breast cancer can be attributed to several key factors.
- Longer life expectancy allows more time for cancer to develop, as breast cancer risk increases with age.
- Improved screening methods like mammography and increased screening participation have led to more cases being detected that might have previously gone undiagnosed.
- Lifestyle changes in modern society, including delayed childbearing, reduced breastfeeding, increased obesity rates, sedentary behavior, alcohol consumption, and hormone replacement therapy use, all contribute to higher risk.
- Environmental factors such as exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants may also play a role.
- Additionally, genetic factors remain important, with family history and specific gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 increasing risk. According to the most recent and highest quality study, the estimated age-adjusted annual incidence of breast cancer in European countries was 94.2/100 000 and the mortality 23.1/100 000 1. The combination of these demographic, detection, lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors explains the rising incidence of breast cancer globally, though mortality rates have improved due to earlier detection and better treatments 1. Some of the most important risk factors for breast cancer include genetic predisposition, exposure to oestrogens, ionising radiation, low parity, and a history of atypical hyperplasia, as well as the Western-style diet, obesity, and the consumption of alcohol 1. It is essential to consider these factors when assessing an individual's risk of developing breast cancer and to take a comprehensive approach to prevention and early detection.
From the FDA Drug Label
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From the Research
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
The frequency of breast cancer is increasing, and several risk factors have been identified as contributing to this trend. These include:
- Age: Older women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer 2, 3
- Family history: Women with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk 2, 3
- Obesity: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer 2, 4
- Use of oral contraceptives: The use of oral contraceptives has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer 2
- Menopausal status: Women who are postmenopausal are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer 2, 3
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: Both smoking and alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer 2, 4
- Lifestyle and genetics: Certain lifestyle factors and genetic mutations can also increase the risk of breast cancer 2, 3, 4
Breast Cancer Prevention and Management
While there are several risk factors that contribute to the increasing frequency of breast cancer, there are also measures that can be taken to prevent and manage the disease. These include:
- Chemoprevention: The use of medications such as tamoxifen and raloxifene to prevent breast cancer in high-risk women 5, 6
- Screening: Regular screening with mammography, ultrasound, and other modalities can help detect breast cancer early 3, 4
- Advanced molecular testing: The use of advanced molecular testing, such as liquid biopsy and artificial intelligence, can help improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes 4
- Lifestyle modifications: Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer 2, 4