Breast Cancer Awareness: What people with a family history of cancer should know about the risk of breast cancer?

While the novel coronavirus has wreaked much havoc in the recent past, cancer has remained a predominant illness and continues to impact the lives of millions. In India, although everyone is aware of different cancerous diseases, there's a lack of detailed knowledge around it. From different risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis to treatments and prevention, there's a vast ocean of information that still fails to meet the common eye.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in India and is rapidly rising among women. During this Breast Cancer Awareness month, we will help you understand not just the risks, diagnosis and treatment associated with breast cancer, but will discuss the risk of breast cancer in people who have a family history of cancer.

A family history of cancer can increase the risk of developing cancer. Doctors have often associated common gene mutations to the risk of different types of cancer. When it comes to women, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It is linked to genetic abnormality that heightens the risk of cancer development.

Read more: How COVID-19 has widened the gaps in breast cancer treatment

"A woman’s risk for breast cancer is higher if she has a mother, sister, or daughter (first-degree relative) or multiple family members on either her mother’s or father’s side of the family who have had breast or ovarian cancer," says the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to a review published in the journal Annals of Oncology, it was found that a close family member's history of cancer seems to increase a person's risk of developing the same or a different form of cancer.

That said, while an inherited mutation makes you prone to cancer, it does not mean you have cancer. Only when it is left untreated will it go on to cause more damage.

The common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited or acquired mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. These are genes that produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA, usually protecting you from certain cancers. However, when genetic abnormalities limit the healthy functioning of these genes, it increases the risk of cancer.

As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "About 3% of breast cancers (about 7,500 women per year) and 10% of ovarian cancers (about 2,000 women per year) result from inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes."

Such mutations, according to CDC, can be detected through genetic testing using multigene panels, which look for mutations in several different genes simultaneously.

Besides the inherited mutations i.e. a family history of cancer, there are many other risk factors of breast cancer. According to the CDC, old age, reproductive history, and intake of the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) are some of the factors that are natural and cannot be altered. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking can make you prone to breast cancer risk. However, one can take measures against it to prevent cancer.

Read more: Five ways to take care of your breast health

In most women, breast lumps are harmless and very benign. Most non-cancerous breast lumps are caused by breast cysts, abscesses, an adenoma, intraductal papillomas and some other conditions. Usually such lumps are painful and are easily detectable.

On the contrary, some of the red flags for cancerous breast lumps are as follows.

- They may be hard to touch and are commonly located at the upper, outer and quadrant of the breast.

- It may be difficult to move, unlike other soft and smooth lumps in the breast.

- Most cancerous lumps go unnoticed because they're painless.

- Bloody nipple discharge

Someone with a family history of breast cancer or with an acquired mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, can get themselves tested.

Breast examinations are the easiest way to diagnose breast cancer. Your doctor will examine your breasts and lymph nodes in your armpit, feeling for lumps.

Other ways are a mammogram, an X-ray of the breast. Ultrasounds or a biopsy can also help diagnose breast cancer. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an accurate method to check for breast cancer risks.

Those with inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can get a BRCA gene test, a blood test that's done to determine if you have changes (mutations) in your DNA that increase the risk of breast cancer.

BRCA genetic testing can also guide treatment options for women with breast or ovarian cancer. Women with one cancerous breast can opt to get both their breasts removed, instead of having surgery only on the affected breast.

If one is diagnosed with breast cancer, depending on your breasts, your doctor will recommend treatment.

Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or a targeted therapy are some of the common treatments for breast cancer. It is important to consult with your doctor before choosing any means of treatment.

Several research has shown that lifestyle changes can lower your risk of breast cancer. Here are some lifestyle habits that can prevent the risks.

- Maintaining a healthy weight is important. If you're overweight, you may be at an increased risk of cancer.

- You must make sure to restrict your alcohol intake and quit smoking.

- A sedentary lifestyle can affect your health in many ways. That said, physical activity is crucial to protect yourself from various illnesses, including cancer.

- For women, it is imporatant to steer clear of postmenopausal hormone therapy. It may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Overcrowded hospital spaces, the fear and the increased risk of contracting the virus only lead to a delay in cancer diagnosis and treatment processes.

Given that underlying chronic conditions puts one at a greater risk of COVID-19, most people either hesitate to visit hospitals and get themselves diagnosed or receive treatments for the same.

According to the CDC, "The total number of cancer screening tests received by women through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (Early Detection Program) declined by 87% for breast cancer and 84% for cervical cancer during April 2020 as compared with the previous 5-year averages for that month."

"Prolonged delays in screening related to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to delayed diagnoses, poor health consequences, and an increase in cancer disparities among women already experiencing health inequities," the health agency adds.