Breast Cancer Hormonal Signs Women Need to Watch, Lifestyle Changes to Save Lives | Health

Breast cancer is one of the most common CANCERS affecting woman globally. It begins when cells in the breast grow abnormally, often forming a lump or mass. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial for successful treatment and understanding the body’s signals such as hormone changes play an important role in early detection.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare, Consultant Surgical Oncology and Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon at HCG Cancer Center in Borivali, Mumbai, explained: “Hormonal fluctuations in women are a natural part of life, occurring during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. However, some of these changes can signal early signs of breast cancer, making it vital to pay attention to them. Early recognition of these signs can save lives.”

She said: “Breast cancer is when the uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast leads to the formation of a tumor which can spread to other regions of the body. During this process, estrogen and progesterone have been shown to be particularly critical. They govern the development and formation of breast tissues; however, when this balance is disturbed or is produced in too high amounts, it leads to irregular cell growth, putting a person at a higher risk of breast cancer.

Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare revealed, “The normal range of estrogen in the female body should be no more than 30 to 400 picograms per milliliter (pg/ml) after the onset of menstruation and 0 to 30 pg/ml after menopause. However, progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and even during pregnancy. Progesterone levels of 2 to 25 nanograms/milliliter (ng/ml) in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and 10 to 290 ng/ml at various stages of a pregnancy are considered normal. While for testosterone, levels should not exceed 15-70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 0.5-2.4 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). If the levels of these hormones exceed these ranges, it is important to seek medical attention.”

How can hormonal changes cause breast cancer?

Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare replied: “The female body is constantly evolving, and sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are the primary sources that drive these changes. It brings unique transformations in different stages of life. Although these changes are normal, there could be a chance that they can increase your risk of health problems such as breast cancer. Women also experience hormonal changes at different stages of their lives, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause.”

Although hormonal changes are necessary for the proper functioning of the human body, when they persist or are in excess, they can increase the risk of breast cancer in the following ways:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy: For example, during pregnancy, the body must secrete very high levels of progesterone and estrogen throughout the gestation period to provide the necessary nutrition for the fetus. It is a normal process, but long-term exposure to these hormones in large amounts can cause the proliferation of breast cells that often become malignant.
• Early onset of the menstrual cycle and late menopause: Also, the female body produces steroid hormones such as estrogen during the menstrual cycle and this directly affects the development and functioning of the breasts. Estrogen exposure increases if a woman menstruates early or has a late onset of menopause. This prolonged exposure increases the likelihood of atypical breast cells forming, increasing the chances of developing breast cancer.
• Hormone replacement therapy: Additionally, as women approach menopause and their bodies are no longer able to produce enough sex hormones, they may need to undergo hormone replacement therapy. This makes them more vulnerable because the treatments usually introduce synthetic hormones into the body that further cause this imbalance of progesterone and estrogen. Therefore, women receiving hormone therapy to address their menopausal symptoms are advised to consult a physician to weigh its pros and cons.

Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare assured, “Hormonal imbalance is an inevitable part of life, but by taking necessary precautions women can minimize the chances of breast cancer. Women who take care of their health can learn how hormonal changes can affect the body. The best way to achieve a natural hormonal balance is through a healthy lifestyle. These are achieved through training, proper nutrition and maintaining optimal weight levels. Another important thing is to avoid alcohol and smoking because they are one of the risk factors for breast cancer. Additionally, a woman should schedule regular mammograms and perform regular breast self-examinations, as early detection improves the survival rate.”

Steps to prevent breast cancer

The range of therapy options in breast cancer depends on the stage and when it is discovered. Dr. Bhavisha Ghughare suggested, “These options include radiation therapy, surgery and hormone therapy. Regular screening is necessary for breast cancer prevention because it provides more treatment options at diagnosis and better outcomes. While the female body will always be subject to hormonal fluctuations, most risks can be prevented if the woman is informed and uses simple prevention techniques. Understanding how hormones influence breast cancer risk puts women in control of their health choices.”

She concluded: “Advances in medical research have helped us shed light on the complex interplay between female sex hormones and the development of breast cancer. It also ushered in a new era of advanced treatment options for curing breast cancer, using targeted hormone therapies and personalized drug plans. By understanding the role hormones play in the development of breast cancer, we have been able to optimize therapeutic strategies to improve treatment outcomes and increase life expectancy for women whose lives are severely affected by breast cancer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always ask your doctor for advice with any questions about a medical condition.