Breast cancer is one of the leading Cancers, which affects millions of women throughout the world. Even though many young women are increasingly getting breast cancer, it still remains most common amongst women who have reached menopause, in their 50s and above. When it comes to causes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer, has been associated with the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during menopause. This is because HRT, particularly with combined estrogen and progestrone therapy, is given for longer durations, most commonly in post menopausal women. However, here is a shocker – there are certain things that raise breast cancer risk even more. Let’s see…Dr Sharon Malone, an OBGYN, and menopause expert, in a recent interview, revealed that the increased risk of Hormone replacement therapy (estrogen + progestrone) is still less than drinking two glasses of wine each day, being overweight, and not exercising. Yes, that’s right. Here is what it essentially means…HRT riskThe treatment of menopause symptoms through hormone replacement therapy, requires doctors to administer estrogen and progesterone hormones to patients. Research conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative together with other studies, demonstrates that taking combined estrogen-progesterone therapy for longer than five years, will increase breast cancer risk by 24 percent. The research indicates that if 100 women without HRT would develop breast cancer, the number rises to 124 cases among women who receive combined HRT. Women who have had their uterus removed, can take estrogen-only therapy which produces minimal impact on breast cancer risk, but increases the risk of other health problems.However, the small increase in breast cancer risk from HRT treatment becomes less significant when compared to the substantial relief of severe menopause symptoms it provides. Women need to consult their doctors about their individual risk factors and treatment advantages, before beginning hormone replacement therapy.Drinking and Breast cancerAccording to Dr Malone, drinking alcohol surpasses the risk associated with using hormone replacement therapy.Research indicates that regular alcohol consumption leads to elevated breast cancer risk, even higher than hormone replacement therapy. researchR indicates that two glasses of wine per day will increase breast cancer risk by at least 20 percent.

What science saysResearch conducted on postmenopausal women demonstrated that alcohol consumption elevated their breast cancer risk substantially, when used in combination with hormone therapy. The consumption of alcohol leads to elevated estrogen levels, which can stimulate specific types of breast cancer development. Doctors recommend women to restrict their alcohol consumption, or even complete abstinence from drinking to minimise their breast cancer risk.Being overweight or obeseAccording to Dr Malone, carrying excess body weight creates a significant risk factor for breast cancer development after women reach menopause. This occurs because the body fat cells generate estrogen which results in elevated hormone concentrations that support cancer cell multiplication. Postmenopausal women who are overweight or obese, face a higher risk of breast cancer development than women who maintain a normal weight.

Studies indicate that being overweight creates a higher risk for breast cancer than the risks associated with hormone therapy. Women who want to minimize their breast cancer risk in middle age and later life, should focus on weight management through proper nutrition and regular physical activity.Physical InactivityDr Malone also add that physical exercise helps women prevent breast cancer, by helping them control their weight and by fighting cancer-promoting inflammation and hormone production. Women who do not exercise regularly, face a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who regularly engage in physical activity.Scientific studies indicate that women who stay physically active can lower their breast cancer risk by 10%–20%. Physical exercise leads to better health outcomes while strengthening the immune system, and protecting against additional chronic diseases.Key takeawaysThe risk of breast cancer from combined hormone therapy is a reality, but multiple everyday habits affect breast cancer development more strongly. The risk of developing breast cancer increases most, when women drink more than two glasses of alcohol daily and when they are overweight, obese and inactive.Hence to keep cancer at bay, women should not take care of one aspect only, rather make a cohesive health plan. This includes keeping weight under check, regular exercise, quitting alcohol, and even keeping sugar under check. Women who need to use hormone therapy should consult their doctor to determine their individual risk profile, and select treatment options that maximise benefits while minimising adverse effects.