www.womanthismonth.com October 2017 LIFESTYLE | wellbeing 57 Women with abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have up to 85 per cent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Others have around 10 per cent chance of getting the disease. to be supportive through this trying time.” A BRCA1 and 2 gene mutation is most likely inherited from the mother. But it could be that the mother has not had breast cancer in her lifetime. “She will be used as what we call a reference patient, who we genetically study inside-out, and accordingly design a lifestyle plan for the entire family – how often they should get checked, what type of cancer could affect them in the future [ductal or lobular, or both] and steps to prevent it,” informs the doctor. But all is not bleak, as gene mutation is not a cause, but an increased risk, for breast cancer. “It is not necessary that a positive testing for BRCA1 and 2 mutations translates to guaranteed cancer. For lower risk cases, we recommend yearly examinations, lifestyle changes and some medication to prevent the cancer from developing,” he says. Breast Cancer Not Related to Inherited Genetics As per www.cancer.gov, only five to 10 per cent of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, caused by abnormal genes passed from parent to child. High levels of radiation from circumstantial factors, or in treating other medical conditions, can also damage the cells and DNA, which can result in breast cancer. Besides this, the following aspects greatly predispose women to getting the Unfortunately for us, in this day and age, we are exposed to pollutants – harmful synthetic chemicals that alter the chemical make-up of our bodies. It has been proven that some can directly damage our genes, while others disrupt the normal hormonal balance and lead to abnormal breast cell growth. Our food – Shockingly, we ingest chemicals with our food every day in the form of pesticides that are used to grow it. Human and animal studies show that exposure to several widespread pollutants during early breast development can significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Many cattle farms inject extra hormones and preventive antibiotics into their animals to increase meat and milk production. The end result is a weakened human immune system that is unable to effectively heal cell damage. Fast food chains are known to recycle their used oil many times over and use carcinogens like monosodium glutamate in their food – both spell disaster to health. Our air – Chemicals used to build and beautify our homes (think paint, sealants and other construction materials) have been linked to an increased risk for breast cancer. Scented candles and air fresheners let off toxic substances into our air too. Our products – What goes on and around you can be absorbed into the body. Certain toxins in our personal, beauty and cleaning staples can wreak damage on our cells. Plastic food containers, when heated or repeatedly re-used, release chemicals into the edibles they hold. Laboratory studies raise serious concerns about the possible effect of plastics on breast cancer risk. In 2009, the USA’s President’s Cancer Panel suggested that the true burden of environmentally induced cancer has been grossly underestimated, in regard to human exposure to potential environmental carcinogens being widespread. To sum it up, Dr Alalawi says that there are many parameters that dictate whether or not a woman will get breast cancer. He staunchly maintains that her lifestyle choices and stress management are paramount. He urges women to remember that cancer prevention is easier, cheaper and less painful than its cure. So get examined by a professional this month and be committed to routine selfexaminations and a healthy way of living all year round. disease (source: www.breastcancer.org): - Thanks to unhealthy eating, girls start puberty and breast development at a very early age. The earlier breasts are Tackle the Toxics! formed and the longer they are exposed to stimulating or altering substances (found extensively in the environment and food), the higher the risk of breast cancer later in life. - More women are delaying pregnancy, not breastfeeding their babies or breastfeeding for shorter durations. A full-term pregnancy and breastfeeding protect against the disease by making the breast cells mature. - Modern life keeps us indoors and less physically active than in earlier generations. Exercise helps regulate hormone and blood sugar levels, thereby preventing any extra cell activity. Obesity is an established breast cancer risk factor, as is a lack of vitamin D, which is absorbed through exposure to sunlight. - Hormone replacement therapy to reduce menopausal symptoms produces a moderate increase in cancer risk, and birth control pills are linked to a small increase in risk. They cause extra breast cell growth and can promote the growth of breast cancer. The longer we take these medicines, the higher the risk. - Smoking and high alcohol consumption also increase risk. Second-hand smoke has a negative effect too. - Perpetual stress and sleep deprivation results in lower levels of the sleep hormone melatonine, which promotes normal cell growth.
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