Globally, breast cancer is now the most common cancer among women, with 2.26 million cases reported in 2020 alone, and it accounts for 30% of cancers among young adults. Experts point to several contributing factors for this. Most important risk factor for breast cancer in younger age group is having a genetic risk, though other risk factors have a role to play too. Lifestyle choices also play a critical role.
Dr. Shiveta Razdan, Consultant, Breast Oncology, Amrita Hospital Faridabad said, “Lifestyle factors that may lead to breast cancer can be divided into two broad categories – modifiable and non-modifiable. Within the modifiable ones are obesity, consuming high fat foods, nulliparity, usage of contraceptive pills, and alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, an individual’s sex, increasing age, menarche (onset of the menstrual cycle) before 12 years, menopause in women over 53 years of age, and hereditary cancer are some non-modifiable factors.
