In recent years, health experts have expressed growing concern over the increasing consumption of alcohol and tobacco among young Nigerians. These behaviors, coupled with diets high in junk and fatty foods, sedentary lifestyles, and exposure to environmental pollutants, have been identified as significant risk factors contributing to the rising incidence of breast cancer among young women in Nigeria.
Alcohol and Tobacco Use: A Growing Threat
The prevalence of alcohol consumption among Nigerian youth is alarming. Studies indicate that approximately 12% of adolescents have consumed at least one alcoholic drink within 30 days prior to the survey, with 39.4% of these individuals engaging in binge drinking—defined as consuming five or more drinks per sitting. Additionally, research indicates that about 25,000 Nigerian children aged 10–14 years smoke cigarettes daily. Both alcohol and tobacco use are well-established risk factors for breast cancer. The World Health Organization reports that alcohol is responsible for 7 out of every 100 new breast cancer cases in the European region. While the association between smoking and breast cancer is less direct, some studies suggest that smoking, especially when initiated early in life, may increase breast cancer risk. The rising trends of alcohol and tobacco use among Nigerian adolescents are alarming, given their potential to increase breast cancer risk later in life. Implementing targeted public health interventions to reduce these behaviors is crucial for mitigating future health burdens.
Diet and Lifestyle Factors
Unhealthy dietary habits, particularly the consumption of junk and fatty foods, are contributing to the increasing rates of obesity among Nigerian youth. Obesity is a significant risk factor for breast cancer. A study assessing breast cancer subtypes among Nigerian women found that 66.2% of patients were obese, and 41.9% led physically inactive lifestyles. The same study established a significant relationship between these risk factors and the incidence of breast cancer. Sedentary behavior further exacerbates this risk, as physical inactivity has been linked to about 10% of breast cancer cases globally. Encouraging regular physical activity and promoting healthy eating habits are essential strategies in reducing breast cancer risk among young women.
Environmental Exposures
Exposure to environmental pollutants, including chemical wastes and certain chemicals found in plastics, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. A recent study identified over 400 chemicals regularly used in everyday plastic products, such as PFAS, phthalates, and parabens, that are associated with breast cancer. These chemicals are prevalent in items like food packaging and personal care products, leading to widespread exposure. Reducing contact with these harmful substances is crucial in mitigating breast cancer risk.
Reproductive Health and Breastfeeding Practices
Changes in reproductive behaviors, such as delayed marriage and a decline in breastfeeding, are also contributing to increased breast cancer risks among young Nigerian women. Women are marrying later than before, often due to educational and financial pursuits. This delay can lead to having the first child after the age of 25, which is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer compared to having children at a younger age. Additionally, cultural practices around breastfeeding are gradually declining. In the past, women would breastfeed for a year or two; however, this is becoming less common today due to work commitments and limited maternity leave. Breastfeeding is a protective factor against breast cancer, and its decline may contribute to increased risk.
Genetic Factors
Genetic predisposition also plays a role in breast cancer risk. Among Nigerian women, one in eight cases of invasive breast cancer is a result of inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or TP53. These genetic factors significantly increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Given limited resources, prevention and early detection services should be especially focused on these highest-risk women.
Global Perspective and Future Projections
A population-based study published in November 2024 in The Lancet, titled “The Current and Future Global Burden of Cancer among Adolescents and Young Adults,” found that an estimated 1,300,196 cases and 377,621 cancer-related deaths occurred in adolescents and young adults in 2022. The study highlighted that breast cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in many countries. The adolescent and young adult cancer burden globally is projected to increase by about 12% from 2022 to 2050, with the most significant impact expected in low Human Development Index (HDI) settings, where the burden of both cancer cases and deaths is projected to double.
Conclusion
The rising incidence of breast cancer among young Nigerian women is a multifaceted issue influenced by lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, reproductive health practices, and genetic factors. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive public health strategies, including promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing exposure to environmental pollutants, encouraging early marriage and breastfeeding, and providing targeted interventions for those with a genetic predisposition. By implementing these measures, it is possible to mitigate the increasing burden of breast cancer among young women in Nigeria.
