The high incidence of breast cancer among women is a matter of worry. Several studies have been undertaken to pin point the risk factors behind this condition. Among the risk factors that have been identified precocious puberty is one of them. Although it may seem very odd but increasingly doctors all over the world are expressing their concern about the problem of early puberty and the risk of breast cancer that is attached to it.
Let us try to elucidate the link between precocious puberty and risk of breast cancer in detail.
What is puberty?
Puberty is when children grow into men and women. In mid-1800s girls used to have first menstrual period at 17. By 1960s it has fallen to 12. This decrease in puberty age is contributed to improved nutrition.
When does normally puberty occur?
Currently the age between 9 to12 is considered normal age for puberty.
What is precocious puberty?
Early puberty refers to emergence of physical and hormonal signs of puberty development at an age which is lower than normal. At present onset of puberty between 6 to 8 years is considered early.
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Signs of precocious puberty
The signs of precocious puberty as observed in girls are include the following.
- Initiation of menstruation
- Breast development
- Pubic hair development
- Acne
Effects of precocious puberty
Precocious puberty is associated with a lot of health risks. The particularly concerning among these risks is the risk of developing breast cancer.
How is precocious puberty linked to breast cancer?
The risk of breast cancer increases in women who had early puberty due to their greater exposure to estrogen.
Is has been found in researches that if a girl gets her first period before 12 years of age then the risk of breast cancer is 50% more than if she got it as 16. Doctors opine that for every delayed year of first menstrual period they could prevent thousands of breast cancers.
With puberty age declining all over the world the risk of breast cancer is posing more threat to women.
Parents have to shoulder the added responsibility of understanding the causes of precocious puberty and preventing their daughters from getting it to minimize risk of breast cancer in later life.
Causes of precocious puberty
Generally it is seen that if a girl’s mother, sisters and close relatives got early puberty then her chance of having it rises.
Obesity is directly considered to be responsible for early puberty. The hormones estrogen and leptin are produced by fat cells.
Xenoestrogens are compounds that mimic the behavior of estrogen. These compounds are rampantly used in plastic items like baby bottles to shampoos and tin cans.
Even certain baby formulas which are soy-based are considered to trigger early puberty.
Precocious puberty preventive measures
By following these simple steps you can reduce chances of your daughter experiencing precocious puberty.
Reduce contact to xenoestrogens
Although doctors and researchers have not come to any conclusion about xenoestrogens but it is safe to keep your daughter away from these compounds.
Phthalates and Bisphenol A are used widely in plastic feeding bottles, toys and tin cans and can leach into foods. So it is better to avoid these compounds.
Parabens and estradiol are used in some cosmetics and toiletries and are known to cause early breast development.
Breastfeed
Although breastfeeding is time consuming but it is the best source of nutrition for newborns. Breastfed babies have strong immunity systems which enables them to fight against diseases. Moreover breastfeeding lowers the chances of exposure to xenoestrogens that are present in dairy formulas and also to the compounds that are present in feeding bottles.
Breastfed babies have lower chances of being obese.
Exercising
Exercising has two fold benefits. Firstly, it reduces the chance of being obese and secondly it helps in maintaining proper balance of hormones in the body by lowering estrogen levels. Both these will help in deterring precocious puberty.
Balanced diet
A balanced diet which includes whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables with moderate quantities of animal products will help in fighting obesity and also maintain healthy hormone balance. Eating organic foods should be encouraged as food grown with inorganic pesticides may expose your daughter to xenoestrogens.
Regulate dairy consumption
Milk contains synthetic growth hormones which may lead to precocious puberty. So it is safe to stick to organic milk.
Media exposure
Psychiatrists opine that too much exposure to adult programs in television is creating adverse effects on a child’s psychology which is manifested in precocious puberty. Spend time together to avoid television watching. Even if your daughter watches television, encourage her to watch educational and interesting programs and if possible share your views and ideas with her.
As parents we have the responsibility to retain childhood of our girls and help them to grow up as healthy women. So we have to prepare them against onset of precocious puberty and avert risk of breast cancer.
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