Causes Of Breast Cancer In Young Women: There is an alarming trend of increasing breast cancer cases among young women in India.  Traditionally it has been found among the elderly, but now it is increasingly observed in women under 40 years of age. According to ICMR, breast cancer accounts for nearly 25-32% of all cancers in women in India. This alarming trend among younger women may be related to a combination of lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and some genetic exposures.

Most importantly, understanding the major causes behind this phenomenon will be critical for effective prevention and management. Dr Pooja Babbar, Consultant, Medical Oncology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram listed some reasons why breast cancer cases are rapidly increasing in young women. 

Causes Of Breast Cancer In Young Women

1. Urban Lifestyle and Sedentary Behaviour

The increasing trend of younger women diagnosed with breast cancer in India has been largely attributed to the increasing trend towards an urban lifestyle. Dependence on processed foods, high sugar and unhealthy fat intake without adequate physical activity has led to an alarming increase in obesity rates. Excess body fat increases the risk factor for breast cancer because, in conditions of obesity, the level of estrogen increases, which stimulates and contributes to the development of cancer cells.

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2. Delayed Motherhood and Reduced Family Size

The trend of cultural change in India has indeed seen an increase in education and career advancement for women, which prevented early marriage and early childbearing. This contributes significantly to the fact that, currently, women are receiving their initial birth later in age and often when they are in their 30s. This exposes them longer to a second female sex hormone called estrogen which has also been associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Studies show that women who give birth at a younger age and have more children expose themselves to less estrogen during their reproductive years and have a lower risk of breast cancer.

3. Hormonal Contraceptives

Greater exposure to hormonal contraceptives has only been shown to slightly increase a woman's risk of developing the disease. Oral contraceptives are known to disturb estrogen and progesterone levels, risk factors for breast cancer, and significantly more if one has a history of family members who have had cases on either side.

4. Genetic Factors

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Breast Cancer Risk Factors In Young Women (Image Credits: Canva)

Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes represent a significant risk factor for breast cancer, especially in younger women. Women with these mutations are much more likely to develop breast cancer earlier in life. Although the overall proportion of hereditary breast cancer in India is low, genetic screening has increasingly identified young women at a high risk.

5. Environmental Pollution

Pollution levels are rising in India, leading to greater exposure for young women to harmful substances present in the air, water, and food. Such poisonous substances lead to damaging cells that will increase the chances of cancerous growth. The use of pesticides and industrial chemicals, in agriculture and in various industrial uses, is another factor.

6. Alcohol and Smoking

Although less prevalent in Indian women, the prevalence of alcohol consumption and smoking is increasing, particularly in the younger, urban populations. Both are well-established risk factors for breast cancer as they cause an imbalance in hormone levels resulting in promoting disturbances in hormone-sensitive diseases and impairing the immune competency to counteract abnormal cell growth.

7. Low awareness and screening

India is still a country with a lack of awareness towards breast cancer and early detection, especially in villages. The majority of women are diagnosed at later stages when the cancer becomes more challenging to treat. Routine breast self-examination and mammograms are not commonly practised and this opportunity for early detection is missed.

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