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A new study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer has revealed a shocking figure.
It found that breast cancer cases – and deaths – in the UK are likely to increase significantly by 2050.
The study estimates a 21 percent increase in cases and a staggering 42 percent increase in deaths.
Meanwhile, a study in Nature Medicine found that one in 20 women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
There will be 3.2 million new breast cancer cases globally by 2050.
About 23 per cent of breast cancer cases in the UK are thought to be preventable (obesity and excessive alcohol consumption each contribute 8 per cent) however, aging remains the main risk factor due to DNA damage accumulation.
Women over 60 are especially at risk, so what do breast cancer experts say about early detection, treatment and lifestyle changes to help you take charge of your health?
Women who have close relatives diagnosed with breast cancer are at higher risk
“prevent breast cancer It is estimated that around 25% of breast cancers have some genetic component,” says Lester Barr, consultant breast surgeon and founder of the charity. prevent breast cancer“Women with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of developing this disease,
“If your mother or sister has had breast cancer, your risk may be twice as high as someone with no family history.”
Certain genes may cause this risk.
“Especially in a small number of women with a strong family history, breast cancer risk may be due to mutations in high-risk genes such as brca 1/BRCA2 or one of 10 other moderate-risk genes that we can now routinely test for,” Barr says.
So, if you have a family history of breast cancer, you may want to ask your doctor about genetic testing.
“This can be done on NHSAnd they’ll test you for a gene panel, including BRCA,” says Dr. Britta Stordal, associate professor in cancer research and deputy dean for research and knowledge exchange. Middlesex University London.
You may be eligible for anastrozole
“If postmenopausal women are confirmed to be at high risk of breast cancer (for example because of family history) they may benefit from taking medication to reduce estrogen (such as anastrozole), which can almost halve the risk of breast cancer (IBIS-II trial),” says Mr. Daniel LeffConsultant in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery at The Harley Street Clinic.
“However, the medicine may have side effects such as menopausal symptoms, joint pain and weakening of bone mineral content (osteoporosis).
You can reduce your risk by staying fit and losing weight
Some cases of breast cancer can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
“The average woman in the UK increases her weight during her adult life, increasing her risk of breast cancer by about 20%,” says Barr. “The good news is that if you’re overweight, losing just 5% of your weight (and keeping it down) can reduce your risk substantially – between 25 and 40%.
“Prevent Breast Cancer was one of the first research groups to find that weight loss could reduce the risk of breast cancer. In our study of 34,000 women, modest weight loss could reduce the risk by 40%.”
In addition, many researches have shown that regular exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer.
“Exercise should make you breathe harder and get your heart beating faster – and you should aim for five sessions a week to help reduce your risk of breast cancer,” advises Barr.
Making small changes to your diet can make a big difference
,People “People who eat high levels of red meat and processed meat have an increased risk of breast cancer as well as other types of cancer,” says Stordal. “So, maybe you could say, we won’t eat sausage and instead eat chicken and shrimp or something like that, to reduce your processed meat consumption.”
check yourself regularly
Check your breasts thoroughly once a month for any changes.
“Women over the age of 60 should pay careful attention to changes in their breasts that could be signs of breast cancer,” says Leff. “The most common symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump.
“Other symptoms include dimpling of the skin or nipple, shrinkage or pulling inward, unexplained redness or swelling of the breast, and nipple discharge from a point in the nipple.”
Go to your screening if invited
“We recommend that women ages 60 and older get two-view mammography every three years as part of a national breast screening program,” says Leff.
“Screening frequency may change depending on individual factors. For example, if a woman is at risk for lesions or abnormal cells in the breast, we often recommend annual mammography for five years, and/or if a woman has a known high-risk genetic mutation (such as BRCA1/2), the screening frequency is more regular than the general population.”