Is it or is it not true that bras can cause breast cancer? It is important that while one thinks of the use of bras which come in different styles and shapes, we acknowledge that they impact the appearance of women’s breasts. However, there is NO scientific evidence suggesting that bras cause Breast Cancer.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, some people believe Breast Cancer is contagious. This is also not true; one cannot catch breast cancer from someone else. Could it be my deodorant or antiperspirant? No, there is no evidence supporting the theory that the use of deodorant results in an individual developing breast cancer.
As mentioned by the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is a disease where malignant (cancer) cells form in tissues of the breast. Each breast is made up of lobes and ducts; they also contain blood vessels, lymph vessels and adipose tissues. Breast Cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
The Jamaica Cancer Society stated that Breast Cancer is the leading cancer in Jamaican women, accounting for 29.4% of such cases.
Then, what are the risk factors of breast cancer?
Men or women can develop breast cancer. Many of the risk factors for breast cancer are linked to oestrogens. One’s risk of breast cancer increases based on the following factors: gender, early menarche, late menopause, obesity in postmenopausal women, increase in age, previous breast biopsy and radiation to the chest.
Age and Gender
Age is one of the strongest risk factors for developing breast cancer. Persons older than 50 years are at increased risk, while fewer than 5 % of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the US are younger than 40 years. While the frequency of breast cancer is less in men, it is also seen more among older men.
“African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer.”
Family History
Having a family member who was diagnosed with breast cancer increases one’s risk of developing the disease. The lifetime risk is 4 times higher if mother or a sister is affected and 5 times greater in women who have two or more first degree relatives with breast cancer. Of significance, there are two genes which, if mutated, may play a role in developing breast cancer. They are BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which also play a role in ovarian cancer. If one has a first degree relative with ovarian cancer, known to have the disease under 50 years old, the risk of developing breast cancer doubles.
Race and Ethnicity.
Breast cancer is seen more commonly in whites than African American. However, according to the American Cancer Society, African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer. It has been said by Dr. Delroy Fray, Surgeon and Senior Medical Officer of Cornwall Regional Hospital, that there has been an increase in the number of breast cancer cases seen at the hospital and at his private practice, since the past 2 years.
Age of Menarche and Menopause
An early age of menarche (before 12 years) and late age of menopause (after 55 years) are known risk factors for breast cancer. During women’s reproductive years the ovary produces steroid hormones that directly affect the development and function of the breast.
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