Breast Cancer: Biggest revelation yet—doctor points out an aspect that goes unnoticed..
Breast cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers worldwide, claiming approximately 775,000 lives annually. Until a few decades ago, cases were typically observed in older women; however, the number of patients diagnosed at a younger age is now on the rise.
Common symptoms include a lump in the breast, changes in breast shape or skin color, and unusual nipple discharge. Studies indicate that, alongside genetic factors, deteriorating daily routines and poor dietary habits among women have significantly heightened the risk.
Have you ever considered that major life decisions can profoundly impact not just your lifestyle or career, but also your health? A startling warning recently issued at an international cancer conference has sparked global discussion. Oncologists revealed that women who delay childbearing face a significantly higher risk of breast cancer.
Experts acknowledge that this finding may seem controversial, yet the report highlights it as a major risk factor for breast cancer.
**Deciding to have children later can increase cancer risk**
Health experts note that while women today prioritize education, careers, financial stability, and personal independence, motherhood is often postponed to later years. However, this delay has been found to interfere with the body's natural biological processes.
Dr. Andrea Decensi, Director of Medical Oncology at Galliera Hospital in Italy, states that women are choosing to have children much later than in the past, a trend associated with several negative consequences.
People often shy away from discussing this topic openly, yet delayed childbearing is a primary factor contributing to the rising incidence of breast cancer.
**What is the right age to have children?**
Health experts have long maintained that having children at a younger age can help protect against ovarian and breast cancer. Dr. Decensi notes that, biologically, women become capable of pregnancy shortly after their first period.
The optimal age range for childbearing is between 20 and 35. Beyond this age, not only does conceiving become more difficult, but the risk of breast cancer also rises significantly. Doctors point out a major concern: women are often unaware of this risk, and the topic is rarely discussed.
What do the experts say?
Dr. Decensi observes that, as a society, we are now having children later in life. Factors such as education, career, and the cost of living influence when—or even if—women choose to have children. He adds that lifestyle factors—such as physical inactivity, poor diet, and obesity—also play a significant role in the rising incidence of cancer.
When examining the link between reproduction, hormones, and breast cancer, it appears that having a child at a younger age can offer a degree of protection.
These cells are highly responsive to the hormone estrogen, which can lead to abnormal growth and an increased risk of cancer.
When pregnancy occurs at the right time, these cells mature rapidly and transition to their natural function (milk production), potentially reducing the long-term risk of developing cancer.
What did the study reveal?
According to a study published in the *British Journal of Cancer*, women who have their first child after the age of 30 face a 60% higher risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer compared to those who had their first child around the age of 22. Additionally, the risk of breast cancer may decrease by approximately 9% with each pregnancy.
Breastfeeding is also considered protective against the risk of breast cancer.
Breastfeeding can reduce the production of the hormone estrogen in the body. Since cancer cells rely on estrogen to grow, lowering its levels can reduce the risk.
PC Social Media