What are the main risk factors for breast cancer?
“There are several: age, family history, mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (genes that everyone has and which repair cell damage, editor’s note) and environmental factors linked to lifestyle: alcohol , smoking, overweight, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, lesion at risk, high breast density on mammography. Finally, early start of menstrual cycles or late onset of menopause can increase the risk of breast cancer. »
Is night work also a risk factor?
“Yes, night work has recently been recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer. This recognition is based on an accumulation of epidemiological evidence. Indeed, disruptions to the biological clock can alter the production of melatonin, a hormone that plays a protective role against cancer cells. The drop in melatonin production as well as hormonal disorders linked to night work could increase the risk of cancer in general and therefore of the breast. These results have prompted several health organizations in France to emphasize the importance of limiting exposure to night work as much as possible, particularly among women. »
What can we do to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer?
“Taking action on your lifestyle can help limit the risks of breast cancer, for example: avoiding overweight and obesity, practicing regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking. Regular monitoring by self-palpation is recommended to detect abnormalities in the breasts. Screening mammography remains the most effective way to detect early lesions. In France, organized mammography screening is offered every two years for women aged 50 to 74, which has saved many lives. Finally, we offer genetic tests to identify people at high risk, i.e. people who have had several members in their family affected by breast and ovarian cancer. »
Has research made progress in detecting cancers earlier?
From a radiological point of view, progress is being made. Scientific work uses artificial intelligence to analyze mammogram images and identify radiological aspects likely to indicate the development of breast cancer. These studies represent a promising prospect but we must wait for the final results to know if it is beneficial to apply it in current clinical practice. »
What is the progress in research?
“There has been significant progress in the management of breast cancer both when the cancer is localized (adjuvant phase) and in the metastatic phase. For adjuvant treatments, we have advances in targeted therapies: for example, drugs are used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer by specifically targeting certain cancer cells. We also have the possibility of using immunotherapy for triple negative cancer, which is more aggressive. We now offer preventive surgery for patients with BRCA mutations (so not for all patients). This mastectomy is 100% covered. Finally, there is a final approach, that of the personalized cancer vaccine, which is causing a stir in the scientific community. Although promising, the development of personalized cancer vaccines is still in the research phase. »
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