There are two main categories of cancer risk factors in women: modifiable and non-modifiable.

1. Non-modifiable cancer risk factors in women are things you can’t change, like age and family history. The risk of most cancers increases with age. Having a close relative (mother, sister, daughter) with certain cancers, like breast or ovarian cancer, can also raise your risk.

• Genetic Predisposition: At the very core of cancer risk lie the genetic blueprints that govern our biological makeup. Women, like men, inherit a unique set of genes from their parents, some of which may harbor mutations predisposing them to cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, for instance, significantly elevate a woman’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Genetic counseling and testing play a pivotal role in identifying such high-risk individuals, enabling proactive measures to mitigate their susceptibility to cancer.

2. Modifiable factors are the ones you have some control over. These include:

• Hormonal Influences: The intricate interplay between hormones and cancer risk adds another layer of complexity to the equation, particularly in cancers exclusive or more prevalent in women. Estrogen, a hormone central to female reproductive health, exerts profound effects on breast and ovarian tissues. Prolonged exposure to estrogen, either through early menarche, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy, may escalate the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Conversely, factors that reduce lifetime estrogen exposure, such as early childbirth and breastfeeding, may confer protective benefits.
• Lifestyle Choices: Beyond genetics and hormones, lifestyle choices wield considerable influence over a women’s risk for cancer. Tobacco use, for instance, stands as one of the potent cancer risk factors, including lung and cervical cancer. Conversely, adopting a healthy lifestyle characterized by regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and limited alcohol consumption can exert protective effects against cancer development. Regular screening and early detection also play a pivotal role in identifying precancerous lesions or early-stage tumors when they are most amenable to treatment.
• Environmental Exposures: In an era marked by industrialization and urbanization, women face a myriad of environmental exposures that may impact their cancer risk. From air pollution and chemical contaminants to occupational hazards, the sources of environmental carcinogens are manifold. Understanding and mitigating these exposures through regulatory measures and public health interventions are crucial steps in safeguarding women’s health.