Doctor debunks claim that no child by 35 causes breast cancer
Dr Mitali says not having a child by 35 does not directly cause breast cancer, and having one is no protection against it
Women who delay motherhood often face taunts, and these sometimes take a frightening turn, such as being told that not having a child by the age of 35 will lead to breast cancer.
Dr Mitali has faced such taunts herself. In a video on Instagram, she explained what actually raises the risk of breast cancer, and clarified whether not having a child by 35 truly increases that risk.
In her video, Dr Mitali says she has repeatedly been told that breast cancer is certain if a woman does not have a child by 35. She said women should stop being frightened by such claims.
She explained that not having a child can raise the risk of breast cancer slightly, but it is wrong to think of it as a certainty. The risk of breast cancer depends on factors such as a woman's age, whether her mother, aunt or grandmother had the disease, and the family history of the illness. Linking it directly to not having a child is not correct, she said.
According to the doctor, genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, or a prior breast-related condition, can also affect the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol consumption, obesity, and various hormonal and reproductive factors can also influence this risk.
Dr Mitali also made clear that having a child is not a way to prevent breast cancer. Experts hold that having a child is not a protective measure against the disease. She wants people to understand this and to spread accurate awareness, stressing that the belief that not having a child alone causes breast cancer is simply not correct.
