Am I at Risk of Getting Breast Cancer?
- Lifestyle Risk Factors
Obesity
Obesity after the menopause increases the risk of breast cancer in women, whereas obesity before the menopause seems to reduce breast cancer risk. In post-menopausal women the body fat is the main source of oestrogen production; so obese women will have more oestrogen on board, thus increasing their breast cancer risk. (The main source of oestrogen production in pre-menopausal women is the ovaries.)
Diet
The research studies looking at the issue of diet and breast cancer show conflicting results. However, it is thought that a high intake of saturated animal fats and red meat (especially if overcooked) increases the risk of developing breast cancer, whereas diets high in fibre and vitamins (A, C and E), such as fresh fruits and vegetables, decrease the risk. It is also thought that fish and green tea reduce the risk of breasr cancer.
Alcohol Consumption
Recent evidence suggests that excessive alcohol intake increases the likelihood of breast cancer. The risk seems to increase with all types of alcoholic drinks.
Smoking
There is increasing evidence that both active and passive smoking increase the risk of breast cancer especially in women younger than 50 years.
There is no evidence that the personal use of hair-dyes increases breast cancer risk.