Breast cancer is a terrifying disease that can affect women of any age, and millions of American women have a hormonal imbalance that may only increase their risk. Researchers have discovered that being significantly overweight and becoming pregnant may lead to increased levels of leptin hormone, which can make you more susceptible to breast cancer. You might be wondering what the relationship between breast cancer and pregnancy is, as it’s quite complicated.
The Ups and Downs of Breast Cancer Risk
After pregnancy, a woman’s breast cancer risk typically increases for five to seven years. However, following this period, women under the age of 30 have their risk of breast cancer reduced by half. Unfortunately, for women over 30, their chances of developing breast cancer start to increase once more.
Researchers, such as Leena Hilakivi-Clarke, a professor of oncology, have been examining the factors behind these risk fluctuations. Hilakivi-Clarke explains, “We know that pregnant women who gain an excessive amount of weight have high blood levels of leptin — a hormone made by fat tissue — and that they have an increased risk of developing breast cancer after menopause.”
How Pregnancy Affects Breast Cancer Risk
Studies have shown that pregnancy can stimulate specific genetic changes, helping healthy cells within the breasts fight against potential cellular problems that might otherwise cause cancer. This genetic alteration is thought to be the main reason behind the sharp decrease in breast cancer risk for women who have given birth in their teenage years.
However, research also indicates that leptin hormone, produced by fat tissue growth related to obesity and pregnancy, can counteract these risk reduction benefits. This discovery is a concerning development, as it suggests that exposure to obesity-linked hormones removes the protective effect of giving birth on breast cancer risk.
Considering the rapidly increasing rates of obesity in the United States, researchers like Hilakivi-Clarke are understandably concerned that the country may face a dramatic increase in the incidence of breast cancer in the coming years.
What Can You Do to Reduce the Risk?
While breastfeeding has been proven to reduce breast cancer risk according to the World Health Organization, this isn’t the only way to protect yourself. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is paramount in reducing breast cancer risk, and there are several key factors to address.
1. Maintain a healthy weight. As mentioned previously, obesity is explicitly linked to increased breast cancer risk due to the production of leptin hormone. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, which translates to a reduced risk of developing the disease.
2. Limit alcohol intake. The American Cancer Society states that drinking alcohol even in small amounts is directly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. It’s essential to limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether, ensuring you lower your risk.
3. Stay physically active. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as daily exercise or participating in sports, can significantly lower your risk of breast cancer. Aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week is ideal.
4. Avoid tobacco use. Smoking is widely associated with numerous health problems, including an increased risk of breast cancer. Choose to quit smoking and limit exposure to second-hand smoke to keep your risk levels as low as possible.
5. Get regular check-ups. While taking steps to lower your breast cancer risk, it’s still crucial to keep up with regular mammogram screenings and medical check-ups. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so always stay on top of your healthcare appointments.
In Conclusion
The threat of breast cancer is real, and the ever-increasing obesity rates in the United States may only worsen the situation. By making conscious lifestyle changes, focusing on maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and attending regular medical check-ups, you can take proactive measures to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer – no matter if you’ve experienced pregnancy or not.
