According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), there may be a potential risk factor for breast cancer that has previously gone unnoticed. The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), suggests that women who have a higher than average level of the hormone progesterone in their blood may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone. Despite the fact that there are known risk factors for breast cancer, such as age, family history, and certain genetic mutations, the causes of the disease are not fully understood. This new study sheds light on a potential new risk factor that could help doctors better identify women who may be at risk of developing breast cancer.
The study analyzed data from over 1,000 women who were enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative, a large-scale study that is aimed at identifying risk factors for chronic diseases in women. The researchers measured the levels of progesterone in the women’s blood and then tracked their health over a period of several years.
The results of the study showed that women who had a higher than average level of progesterone in their blood were more likely to develop breast cancer than women with lower levels of the hormone. Specifically, women with progesterone levels in the top 25% of the range were found to have a 65% higher risk of developing breast cancer than women with levels in the bottom 25%.
The researchers believe that the link between progesterone levels and breast cancer may be due to the fact that progesterone can stimulate the growth of breast cells, including cancerous cells. This theory is supported by previous research that has shown that women who take hormone replacement therapy (which includes progesterone) are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
While the findings of this study are significant, it is important to note that they do not prove that high levels of progesterone directly cause breast cancer. More research is needed to fully understand the link between the two and to determine if there are any other factors that may be contributing to the increased risk.
Despite this, the findings of the study are still important for women who may be at risk of developing breast cancer. By identifying progesterone levels as a potential risk factor, doctors may be able to more accurately assess a woman’s risk of developing the disease and take steps to prevent it.
Some experts have already begun to weigh in on the significance of the study. Dr. Joanne Mortimer, a medical oncologist at City of Hope in Duarte, California, told HealthDay News that the study “adds to our knowledge” of the risk factors for breast cancer and could help doctors make more informed decisions about patient care.
Overall, this new study provides important insights into the potential risk factors for breast cancer and highlights the need for continued research in this area. As we learn more about the causes of breast cancer, we can work towards better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this devastating disease.
