Why unmarried women are prone to breast cancer

Unmarried women have a relatively high risk of breast cancer, which may be related to hormone level fluctuations, lack of fertility factors, long-term exposure of breast tissue to estrogen stimulation and other factors. The main influencing factors include infertility, lactation, endocrine disorders, excessive mental stress, genetic susceptibility, and unhealthy lifestyle habits.

1. Unpartum breastfeeding

Elevated levels of progesterone during pregnancy and lactation can effectively inhibit estrogen stimulation of the breast. Female breast epithelial cells that have not undergone a complete reproductive cycle are in a proliferative state for a long time, and an increase in cell division may increase the probability of gene mutations. Breastfeeding behavior can promote the differentiation and maturation of mammary ductal epithelial cells, and reduce sensitivity to carcinogens.

2. Endocrine disorders

Long term irregular lifestyle may lead to dysfunction of the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis. The sustained presence of estrogen dominance can stimulate abnormal proliferation of mammary ductal epithelium. Some unmarried women have menstrual cycle disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc. These endocrine diseases are associated with the occurrence of breast cancer.

3. Excessive mental stress

Unmarried women in modern society often face the dual burden of workplace competition and marital pressure. Chronic stress can lead to a sustained increase in cortisol levels, inhibiting immune surveillance function. Long term anxiety and depression may affect the breast microenvironment through neuroendocrine pathways, promoting tumor angiogenesis.

4. Genetic susceptibility

BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers have significantly increased their lifetime risk of breast cancer. Unmarried status may delay the timing of disease screening for this high-risk population. Unmarried women with a family history of breast cancer should pay more attention to regular breast ultrasound and mammography, and gene testing can be carried out when necessary.

5. Bad lifestyle habits

Some unmarried women engage in behaviors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, high-fat diet, and lack of exercise. These habits may lead to an increase in oxidative stress levels and a decrease in DNA repair ability in the body. Exposure to artificial light sources at night may inhibit melatonin secretion, indirectly affecting estrogen metabolism processes.

It is recommended that unmarried women establish a healthy lifestyle, maintain a regular schedule and moderate exercise, and control their weight within a reasonable range. Perform breast self-examination after menstruation every month, with a focus on whether there are any abnormalities such as lumps or skin depressions. Individuals aged 35 and above should undergo professional breast examinations annually, while high-risk individuals can do so as early as the age of 30. Pay attention to increasing the intake of cruciferous vegetables and deep-sea fish in diet, and reduce the consumption of processed meat and alcohol. Seek medical attention promptly when symptoms such as nipple discharge and orange peel like changes in breast skin appear.