Are you aware of the fact that breast cancer has become one of the foremost reasons for the demise of women around the world? Pregnancy is identified as one of the primary reasons that increase the chances of a woman developing breast cancer.

Getting pregnant at a young age can lessen the threat of evolving breast cancer. If a woman gets pregnant after the age of 35, she becomes more prone to the risk of breast cancer. It is because pregnancy results in extensive changes to the breasts.

The word cancer is always frightening. It is imperative to have knowledge about cancer, its types, its impact, and ways to reduce the risks. Cancer is a result of mutations taking place in genes. Medical researchers have stated that it is very significant for women to take care of breast health to avoid the risks of breast cancer.

Breast cancer in women is not something that we can ignore. It requires the attention of the public as well as health researchers and practitioners. The increasing rate has become an alarming situation. It is essential that health researchers provide more related guidance to help women maintain breast health. Mammography screening is being used around the world to sense the early signs of cancer.

Breast Cancer Risk and Reproductive History

Many people are concerned about the association between pregnancy and breast cancer. Health readings have demonstrated that the danger of mounting breast cancer surges as a consequence of hormones formed by the ovaries. The reproductive factors augment the exposure to these hormones. It fuels cell progression and upsurges the risk of breast cancer.

As science has advanced, digital mammography and screening mammography are used for breast imaging. It involves the use of low-dose radiations that facilitate detecting cancer at early stages. It’s beneficial as it detects cancerous cells before women experience any symptoms.

If you had a screening mammogram, and you’re called again by your examiner for another one, don’t be scared. An abnormal mammogram is not very common. No, you don’t need to search for treatment and surgery options. An abnormal mammogram mostly reflects that you do not have breast cancer. It happens when around 10% of the women get to hear this good news. 

Some of the factors that relate pregnancy to breast cancer are presented below:

• Recent childbirth – If a woman has recently given birth, she is exposed to a short-term increase in the risk of breast cancer.
• Older age pregnancies – If an older woman (more than 35 years) is giving birth for the first time, it increases her risk of breast cancer.
• Diethylstilbestrol (DES) – If a woman is taking DES during pregnancy, it can lead to breast cancer. It is a form of estrogen that prevents pregnancy-related issues like miscarriages. 

Breast health can be controlled and regulated effectively by having a healthy and well-adjusted diet. Women are required to manage breast health by identifying the factors that can increase their risks for illnesses.

The mammography for breast cancer is recognized as one of the finest methods to discover the illness. It reveals the signs of the existing tumor. It’s commonly recommended to women who are 50 or older. It reveals early signs of cancer and is identified as extremely sensitive.

The Total Number of Pregnancies

The total occurrence of pregnancies has an influence on the entire threat connected with breast cancer. If a woman gives birth at least once, it lowers her risk for the chances of developing breast cancer. In the long-term, if a woman has not given birth at all, it can be a significant reason for developing cancerous cells.

The increasing number of pregnancies and deliveries can decrease the risk. It is due to the hormone receptive-positive breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute has proved that young age pregnancies have proved to be good for women. Postponing pregnancies raises the risk of breast cancer. 

The risk of breast cancer is swayed by these factors:

• Age When Pregnant

Early age pregnancies are beneficial as the body has the potential to bear the changes occurring in the body. When a woman gets pregnant early, the risk for developing cancerous cells is low comparatively. It relies on breast health.

The delay in pregnancy can reduce the ability of your body to deal with the changes occurring in the hormones and cells.

• Breastfeeding

Medical studies have shown that breastfeeding is crucial for the well-being and progress of children. It is specified that breastfeeding mothers experience a lesser risk of breast cancer. Doctors recommend breastfeeding longer than six months as it offers extra protection to the mothers. It has a progressive impact on breast health.

Breastfeeding mothers experience different types of hormonal changes. Overall, it reduces exposure to estrogen, which is a type of hormone that promotes the development and growth of breast cancer cells.

Researchers have stated that the immunological components in breast milk reduce the risk of breast cancer. It has a significant impact on breast health. Women having a history of breastfeeding are more likely to have maintained good breast health.

• High-Risk Pregnancy

The National Cancer Institute has stated that the risk of breast cancer is decreased by the month of pregnancy and breastfeeding. It reduces exposure to hormones.

Different medical studies have proved the relationship between age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and breast cancer.

In the case of high-risk pregnancies, the women face high blood pressure, obesity, blood or heart disorders, infections, diabetes, thyroid, or other health issues. These increase complications during pregnancy and increase the risk of breast cancer. These factors directly affect breast health. 

Some of the risk aspects for breast cancer that you cannot alter are listed below:

• Genetic mutations
• Getting older
• Dense breasts
• Reproductive history
• Family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
• Exposure to any radiation therapy.
• Use of drug diethylstilbestrol.

Here are some modifications that can advance breast health and evade breast cancer:

• Avoid taking hormones – hormone replacement therapy can be restricted.
• Be physically active – Exercise, walk long-distance and participate in physical activities.
• Control your weight – Being overweight can surge the possibility of breast cancer.
• Avoid alcohol consumption – The risk of breast cancer is high if women consume alcohol.
• Reproductive history – If a woman’s first pregnancy is after the age of 35 and she is not breastfeeding or had a complicated pregnancy term, the risk can be higher.

Final Thoughts

Medical studies have widely concluded that early pregnancies and a higher number of pregnancies reduce the overall risk of breast cancer. The delay in pregnancy can harm breast health.

It is imperative that women are aware of the risks, signs, and symptoms. The National Health Institutes are required to provide more guidance to ensure better breast health. Taking preventive measures can help in reducing the overall risk of breast cancer.

The mammography screening is used to sense early signs of breast cancer. It has helped in ensuring that the treatment begins at the right time.