Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. It begins when cells in the breast grow abnormally, often forming a lump or mass. Early detection of breast cancer is critical to successful treatment, and understanding the body’s signals, such as hormonal changes, plays an important role in early detection.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Bhavisha Gugare, Consultant Surgical Oncology and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at HCG Cancer Center in Borivali, Mumbai, explained, “Hormonal fluctuations in women are a natural part of life that occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. However, some of these changes can signal early signs of breast cancer, so it’s important to pay attention to them. Early recognition of these signs can save lives.”
She shared: “Breast cancer is when uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast leads to a tumor that can spread to other areas of the body. During this process, estrogen and progesterone appeared to be particularly important. They control the development and formation of breast tissue; however, when this balance is disturbed, or when it is produced in too large amounts, it causes cells to grow irregularly, putting you at greater risk of breast cancer.’
Dr. Bhavisha Gugare said, “The normal range of estrogen in a woman’s body should not exceed 30-400 picograms per milliliter (pg/ml) after the onset of menstruation and 0-30 pg/ml after menopause. However, progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and even during pregnancy. Progesterone levels of 2 to 25 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and 10 to 290 ng/ml at various stages of pregnancy are considered normal. While 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 fall outside these ranges, it is important to seek medical attention.”
How can hormonal changes cause breast cancer?
Dr. Bhavisha Gugare replied, “The female body is constantly evolving, and sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the main drivers of these changes. It shows unique transformations at different stages of life. Although these changes are normal, there is a possibility that they may increase the risk of developing 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 normal functioning of the human body, if they continue or are in excess, they can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer as follows:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy: For example, during pregnancy, the body must secrete very high levels of progesterone and estrogen throughout the pregnancy to provide the necessary nutrition for the fetus. This is a normal process, but long-term exposure to these hormones in large amounts can cause breast cells to proliferate, which often become malignant.
- Early onset of the menstrual cycle and late menopause: In addition, the female body produces steroid hormones such as estrogen during the menstrual cycle, and this directly affects the development and function of the breasts. Estrogen exposure increases when a woman starts menstruating early or goes through menopause late. This prolonged exposure increases the likelihood of atypical cells forming in the breast, increasing the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy: Also, if women are approaching menopause and their bodies are unable to produce enough sex hormones, they may need to be put on hormone replacement therapy. This makes them more vulnerable, as the treatment usually injects synthetic hormones into the body, which further cause an imbalance of progesterone and estrogen. Therefore, women receiving hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms are advised to consult with their physician to determine its benefits and drawbacks.
Dr. Bhavisha Gugare assured, “Hormonal imbalance is an inevitable part of life, but by taking necessary precautions, women can minimize the chances of breast cancer. Women who care about their health can learn how hormonal changes can affect the body. The best method to achieve natural hormonal balance is through a healthy lifestyle. They are achieved through training, proper nutrition and maintaining an optimal weight. Another important thing is to avoid alcohol and smoking because this is one of the risk factors for breast cancer. In addition, a woman should schedule regular mammograms and perform regular breast self-exams because early detection increases survival rates.”
Steps to prevent breast cancer
The range of breast cancer therapy options depends on the stage and time of its detection. Dr. Bhavisha Gugare suggested, “These options include radiation therapy, surgery, and hormone therapy. Regular screening is essential for breast cancer prevention because it offers more treatment options at diagnosis and better outcomes. While a woman’s body will always be subject to hormonal fluctuations, most risks can be prevented if a woman is informed and uses simple prevention methods. Understanding how hormones affect 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 interaction between female sex hormones and the development of breast cancer. It also ushered in a new era of advanced breast cancer treatment options using targeted hormone therapy and personalized treatment plans. By expanding our understanding of the role of hormones in the development of breast cancer, we have been able to optimize therapeutic strategies to improve treatment outcomes and increase the life expectancy of women whose lives have been severely affected by breast cancer.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
