Breast and cervical cancer are linked as they are mostly found in women and are routinely screened for. Risk factors such as long-term use of oral contraceptives and smoking can increase the likelihood of developing these cancers. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome can cause both types of cancer in some affected women.
There are a number of connections between breast cancer and cervical cancer. Most breast cancer patients are female and all cervical cancer patients are female. Women are routinely screened for both of these cancers in the hope that an early diagnosis will allow for more effective treatment. Certain risk factors, such as long-term use of oral contraceptives and smoking, are thought to increase the likelihood of developing these cancers. A rare disease called Peutz-Jeghers syndrome can cause both types of cancer in some affected women.
The clearest connection between these cancers is that they are diseases mostly found in women. Cervical cancer is only seen in females. Breast cancer, while much more common in women, can still affect men because they have small amounts of breast tissue under their nipples. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 2% of all diagnosed breast cancers.
Breast and cervical cancer are also linked because women are routinely screened for developing these two diseases. Cervical cancer screening is performed by swabbing the cervix and performing a Papanicolaou (Pap-test) on the cervical cells obtained from the swab; this diagnostic test checks for abnormal cells that could represent cancer. Women should have a Pap smear every one to two years depending on their age and risk factors. Breast cancer screening typically employs the use of mammography, an imaging study that evaluates breast tissue and looks for abnormal growths. Most women should get annual mammograms after age 40, although some experts recommend that women should wait until age 50 to start getting regular mammograms.
A lesser known connection between breast and cervical cancer is that oral contraceptive pills can increase the risk of both types of malignancies. The extra hormones provided by this drug are thought to promote the growth of abnormal tissue that can become cancer. Overall, however, the increased risk of cancer from oral contraceptive pills is small, and many women can safely take these drugs.
Smoking could be considered another common risk factor for both breast and cervical cancer. Although the most important risk factor for cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, smoking is another known risk factor for developing the disease. Some researchers argue that smoking also increases the risk of breast cancer.
A darker connection between breast and cervical cancer is that both can be seen in a genetic condition called Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. This condition develops due to a genetic mutation that puts patients at a higher risk of developing cancer. Although the most common complications of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome include the presence of abnormally pigmented skin patches and the development of benign gastrointestinal growths, some affected patients can develop both breast and cervical cancers during their life. life.
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