About 1.5 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year worldwide. The incidence of various forms of breast cancers have significantly increased in the last three decades [3]. Prognosis and survival is dependent on the stage and molecular type of the cancer [3] . Several factors such as advancing age, positive family history of breast cancer mutations, hormone supplementation, early menarche, late menopause, radiation exposure, alcoholism and obesity [1,2,4] contribute to the overall risk of breast cancers. This risk of developing breast cancer starts by the age of 40, increases to 3% by 50 years and further increases to 4% by the age of 70 [6]. Aberrations in the normal circulating levels of estrogen in premenopausal women is also an important risk factor for breast cancer [6].
About 1/5th of the women with breast cancer report similar mutations observed among first degree relatives. A positive family history of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations suggest increased risk for the development of breast and ovarian cancers. The first full-term pregnancy at an age greater than 35 years, is also a risk factor for breast cancer [6]. A more dense breast is also more likely to develop cancer[6]. Developmental factors such as early menarche and late menopause also affect the risk for breast cancer. Hormone supplementation and exposure to radiation therapy during childhood or early adulthood also augments the risk associated with cancers.
In addition to these non-modifiable factors, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, high fat intake [1,2,4] and use of contraception can also influence development of breast cancer.
Perceived barriers to breast cancer screening include fear of pain, embarrassment, insufficient knowledge, low income, apprehension over positive results and lack of trust in doctors. One of the ways in which women can overcome the hesitation they face is persuasion by their close family members [7]. Spouses are not only one’s biggest source of dependence and strength, they also have the maximum impact on one’s decision making. Husbands who are aware of the risk factors and consequences associated with breast cancer, will be able to motivate their wives to go for screening and annual examinations to regularly monitor breast changes.
Delay in diagnosis can harm the woman's chances of recovery and survival. Breast cancer that is detected too late has a higher chance of developing into something more catastrophic. Timely recognition can prevent metastasis from the breast to other organs of the body. The range of treatment alternatives is increased and the aggressiveness of management techniques is also decreased with an early diagnosis. This not only results in a full recovery from the illness but also preserves the quality of life of the woman receiving treatment. Early diagnosis broadens the available treatment options and also reduces the aggressiveness of the management strategies.
References:
1. Alkabban FM, Ferguson T. Breast Cancer. StatPearls[Internet]. 2022
2. Sun YS, Zhao Z, Yang ZN, Xu F, Lu HJ, Zhu ZY, et.al. Risk Factors and Preventions of Breast Cancer. Int J Biol Sci. 2017;13(11):1387-1397
3. Łukasiewicz S, Czeczelewski M, Forma A, Baj J, Sitarz R, Stanisławek A. Breast Cancer-Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Classification, Prognostic Markers, and Current Treatment Strategies-An Updated Review. Cancers (Basel). 2021;13(17):4287
4. Grimm LJ, Avery CS, Hendrick E, Baker JA. Benefits and Risks of Mammography Screening in Women Ages 40 to 49 Years. J Prim Care Community Health. 2022;(13):21501327211058322.
5. Al- Amoudi S, Eldeek BS, Ayuob N, Alzhrani W. Knowledge about breast cance among male medical student , Jeddah ,2011. Life Science Journal.2012;99:166-170.
6. Alexandraki I, Mooradian AD. Barriers related to mammography use for breast cancer screening among minority women. J Natl Med Assoc. 2010;102(3):206-18.
7. Gadi RU, Merdad LA, Farsi NJ, Al-Wasia RK. Men's Knowledge of and Behavior toward Mammography Screening: A Cross-Sectional Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021;22(7):2251-2257. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board