Although there is no scientific evidence that breast size leads to breast cancer, women who are obese have a higher risk of contracting the disease. Since overweight women tend to have bigger breasts, this assumption might be rooted in that theory. Obesity can cause many health issues and significantly increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in women who have or are undergoing menopause. Since obese women have bigger breasts, it can be said that women who have a higher body mass index (or BMI) are at a more significant risk factor than those with bigger breasts. Additionally, proliferative lesions or an increase in the growth of specific cells in the breast or ductal hyperplasia can cause lumps in the breast, which are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Breasts are made of epithelial, connective, and fatty tissue. While the glandular tissue is the part of the breasts that produce milk, connective tissues help to hold the breasts in their place. Those with dense breasts have less fatty tissue, which can increase their risk of breast cancer. Also, mammograms of dense breasts are harder to read and understand than fatty breasts. Dense breast tissues and lumps seem similar on a mammogram, making diagnosis difficult, especially in the early stage.
Another risk factor for breast cancer is higher endogenous oestrogen levels, it tends to increase in women during their postmenopausal and premenopausal stages. It goes without saying that as women age, various breast development changes happen in their bodies. During menarche (the first occurrence of menstruation), before menopause or during the reproductive years, during the lactating period or during the perimenopausal/ postmenopausal stage, numerous changes in the breast can increase the risk of breast cancer. In other words, aberrations (or changes) in the normal development of the breast should never be ignored, and any specific symptom that can point towards breast cancer should be brought to the attention of specialists at the earliest. Early diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer can significantly impact future outcomes for a patient.
Besides body weight and breast size, other essential factors that can increase the risk for breast cancer include gender, age, family history, genetic predisposition, and alcohol consumption.
Further, the best way to prevent breast cancer is by examining the breast one week after a woman undergoes her period. At this time, the breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender, making detecting any abnormalities or changes easier. Alternatively, if a woman has an irregular menstrual cycle, is undergoing menopause, or has had a hysterectomy, they must choose a date for examining their breast every month and stick to it.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be an overwhelming and scary experience. However, managing risk factors and practicing good life habits like having a good diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can drastically reduce the chances of a woman getting breast cancer during their lifetime.
