Factors that could increase your risk of getting breast cancer

In 2020, 6799 new cases of breast cancer were reported in Kenya! The cause of breast cancer is still not fully understood because some women develop breast cancer and others don’t – and in rare cases it also applies to men.

• Research shows that the risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after the age of 50.
• If you have a close relative who has breast cancer or ovarian cancer. You could have inherited the mutated genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 which increases your risk of breast cancer.
• If you have had previously breast cancer or benign breast tumors, this increases the risk of those cells growing abnormally.
• If you have been exposed to too much of the hormone oestrogen for example, from hormonal replacement therapy, oestrogen stimulates breast cells to grow.
• If you are overweight or obese your body produces too much oestrogen.
• Drinking alcohol can damage cells and can also stop cells repairing.
• Long term exposure to radiation therapy

• Genes and Family history – inheriting the mutated genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 increases your risk of breast cancer.
• Conditions that increase the level of oestrogen in your body.

Check out our blog on how to do a self-breast exam and check for lumps here. We have also partnered with Dial Daktari and My health Africa, in case you need further consultation, kindly book an appointment with them.