Many breast cancer patients wonder why the disease sometimes occurs even if they maintain a healthy diet and have no family history of breast cancer. Dr. Zhang Jinjian, a leading breast cancer physician in Taiwan, shared that sleep habits can also affect breast cancer risk. He also discussed the more well-known factors that increase a woman's risk.Typical Breast Cancer RisksOne of the main factors that raises a woman's risk of breast cancer is family history.
Actor Angelina Jolie is an example of someone who had a high risk of breast cancer due to a family history of cancer in multiple relatives. Her aunt had breast cancer, and her mother had died of ovarian cancer. Both had tested positive for BRCA1 gene mutation, which is linked to breast cancer. Jolie was found to have the same mutated gene; doctors told her her risk of developing breast cancer was close to 90 percent, and her chance of developing ovarian cancer was over 50 percent. Therefore, she decided to play it safe and had her breasts, ovaries, and fallopian tubes removed.
Zhang said mastectomies have come a long way in terms of preserving aesthetics. With today's advanced reconstructive techniques, surgeons only need to make small incisions around the areola and under the armpit. This approach removes the breast tissue and allows for the placement of new implants. For those considering ovary removal who are concerned about the reduction of estrogen after removal, Zhang said women can take supplements or undergo hormone replacement therapy to maintain hormone balance.
For the same reason, excessive intake of female hormone supplements or consumption of high-fat and oily foods increases the risk of obesity and inflammation, thereby raising the risk of breast cancer.
He explained that circadian rhythm describes how humans and animals naturally follow the cycles of day and night. The circadian rhythm emphasizes a crucial point: When it's time to rest, both the body and brain need adequate downtime. While the brain is resting, it processes the information received during the day and clears out unnecessary waste, like taking out the trash. Without deep or sufficient sleep, people may experience difficulty focusing and mental fog the next day, affecting work and daily life.