It’s wonderful to be an older mother. While this is a cause for celebration, there are some downsides to having children later in life, such as an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a disease caused by alternation in the DNA of cells in the breast, making the cells grow out of control.

Anyone can have breast cancer, but studies have shown that we older mothers have a higher risk, especially if it is your first child you had at an older age.

Did we offend the universe by not giving birth at an early age? I don’t think so.

In general, the likelihood of a DNA alteration (genetic mutation) increases with age. Because our breast cells grow rapidly during pregnancy, any mutated breast cells present prior to pregnancy will grow and divide rapidly, accumulating to form a lump, or spreading.

However, the risk of breast cancer related to pregnancy or childbirth declines after 10 years of childbirth.

How do we prevent ourselves from having breast cancer?

There are no definite ways to prevent breast cancer, but there are things we can do in order to minimize our risk of developing breast cancer, because growing older is already enough risk for us.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

Being overweight (obese) increases your risk of breast cancer. Therefore, maintain a healthy weight and always keep your Body Mass Index (BMI) in check, especially if you’re susceptible to obesity.

• Avoid alcohol and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, while fruits and vegetables do otherwise.

• Avoid birth control pills.

Birth control pills increase the risk of breast cancer because they contain synthetic estrogen and progesterone, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

• Engage in physical activities.

A sedentary lifestyle increases our risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, move your body and exercise frequently.

• Avoid long term menopausal hormone therapy.

Menopausal hormone therapy uses esterogen and progesterone, which may stimulate the growth of breast cancer.

The longer you take menopausal hormone therapy, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.

• Do not smoke.

Studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of breast cancer.

• Breastfeed, if possible.

If you have a baby, you should breastfeed him or her.

Breastfeeding is beneficial not only to the baby, but it is also beneficial to you because it reduces your exposure to hormones that promote the growth of breast cancer.

• Find out your family history.

Has anyone in your family had breast cancer? Find out.

Also, we should carry out a self breast check monthly, preferably five days after you start your menstrual period.

How do we do this?

Stand in front of a mirror, place your hands on your hips and carefully do a visual inspection of your breast, raise your hands above your head and carefully do a visual inspection of your breast, then keep your hands relaxed at your side and carefully do a visual inspection of your breast.

Next, use your right hand to feel your entire left breast for lumps, knots, thickened areas, and other unusual changes. Press down on every part of your breast and underarm region with the pads of your three middle fingers. Make sure to examine every area in a circular pattern. Begin with light pressure and gradually increase the pressure. Squeeze your nipple gently to check for discharge. Then, using your left hand, examine your right breast in the same way. 

What are we looking out for during this self breast exam?

• A lump in the breast or underarm area.
• An nipple that turns inward.
• Any nipple discharge that is not breast milk.
• Changes in the size and shape of the breast.
• A dimple in the skin of the breast. Dimples are cute for our face, but not our breasts.
• Pain in the nipple area.

If you notice any these during your self breast evaluation, please see your doctor immediately.

It is important to note that having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer; however, you should consult your doctor.

Also, not noticing any of the symptoms does not mean you do not have breast cancer; this is why we need yearly mammograms.

What do we do if we develop breast cancer?

As much as we could try to protect ourselves from breast cancer, there’s no absolute guarantee of not having breast cancer, even people with no risk can develop breast cancer.

What do we do if we develop breast cancer?

• Undergo necessary treatment on time.

The earlier breast cancer is treated, the better.

• Manage stress properly.

Treating breast cancer comes with fatigue, so it’s advisable to avoid stress or strenuous activities while treating breast cancer.

• Have a talk with breast cancer survivors.

Talking to someone who has victoriously fought breast cancer will give hope of victory.

• Talk with your children, friends and family.

Your children are a great source of support, don’t hide what you’re facing from them, tell them, especially if they’re old enough to understand.

• Spend time with your loved ones.

Breast cancer is not contagious, do not isolate yourself.

Spend time with your loved ones that support you, it gives hope and strength.

• Do what will give you joy and happiness.

It could be having fun with your children, helping others, swimming, surfing,etc. Do what will give you joy, it yields long term positivity.

All in all, early detection is key to surviving it so do take frequent checks seriously so you can be breast cancer smart.