Breast cancer risk factors, prevention and patients empowerment

Míriam Algueró Josa

Abstract

Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women worldwide in 2018, contributing 25.4% of the total number of cases diagnosed. Evidence says that less than 10% (between 6% and 7%) of the total is due to genetic missfailiures. Some mutations, particularly in BRCA1, BRCA2 and p53 might induce an increase of breast cancer. However, these mutations are rare and account for a small portion of the total breast cancer burden. (1) Risk factors Lifestyle is also determinant when it comes to cancer. Several researches have proven that unhealty diets, obesity (2), smoking (3), alchool intake (4) and a sedentary life style (5) might translate in an increase of all types of cancer risk, including breast cancer (6) Breast cancer prevention According to reserch there are several things that patients can do to prevent all types of cancer, including breast cancer (7),(8), (9) Patient empowerment Research has shown that a healthy lifestyle increases chances to overcome breast cancer. Passing this information on to patients is crucial for them to take an active part in their illness and improve their quality of live as well as their chances to recover health. (10)