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Risk Factors Over 70% of breast cancer cases occur in women who have no identifiable risk factors. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer.
What might put you at a higher risk? - Risk is higher as you get older.
- Having a first degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman's risk, and having two first degree relatives with breast cancer will increased her risk 5 times.
- Birth control pills show little increased risk, and a woman who stopped birth control more than 10 years ago shows no increase risk. Consult your health care team about your risks before using oral contraceptives.
- Estrogen replacement therapy shows a slightly higher risk in women that have long term use, 10 years or more. Within 5 years of stopping ERT this risk is reduced to that of the general population. The decision to use ERT should be discussed with your health care team to weigh your needs, benefits and risks.
- Women with a long menstrual life, uninterrupted by pregnancy, (starting menstruation at an early age, before 12, or went through menopause at a late age, after 50) have a slightly higher risk for breast cancer.
Too Young to Have Breast Cancer? Despite the prevailing opinion that young women don't get breast cancer, the reality is that they can and they do. In fact, one in every 229 women between the ages of 30 and 39 will be diagnosed with breast cancer within the next 10 years. The good news is, with early detection the 5-year survival rate (studies track patients for 5 years after diagnosis) for young women with early detection and treatment is over 82%. Because breast cancer in younger patients is less common, many of these women face delayed diagnosis. Often she is told by her health care provider that she is "too young" to have breast cancer and its not recommended for diagnostic tests as quickly as older patients. 80% of younger women find the breast cancer themselves. Armed with basic knowledge of breast cancer, how to examine her own breasts, and the awareness of what is normal for her body, a young woman can intelligently advocate for the testing she needs. Men and Breast Cancer | The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008 some 1,990 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the United States. Men are often diagnosed with more advanced breast cancer because they fail to act quickly when noticing changes in their breast tissue. Although breast cancer is rare in men, if you notice any symptoms see your health care provider. |  |
Breast Health General good health will help to reduce your risks for breast cancer. - Eat less animal and dairy saturated fats.
- Exercise, and maintain a healthy body weight. Remember to consult your health care team before starting any new exercise program.
- If you drink, drink in moderation and avoid hard liquor.
- Don't smoke.
- Know your insurance coverage and keep your screening up to date.
The American Breast Cancer Foundation recommends: BREAST SELF-EXAMS Monthly for all women, starting during breast development. A monthly breast self-exam will help you to become familiar with what is normal for your body and make it easier to notice any changes that occur. Monthly breast self-exams are not a replacement for a mammogram. CLINICAL BREAST EXAMS Women age 20-39, no less than every 3 years. Annually for women over age 40. Similar to a breast self-exam, it is performed by a doctor or nurse. MAMMOGRAMS First mammogram between ages 35 and 40. Annually for all women over 40. A mammogram is the best tool available today to assist you and your health care team in diagnosing breast cancer at its earliest stage. A mammogram can detect breast cancer up to two years before you or your doctor can feel a lump.
Gene Testing Medical researchers are now able to look within cells, and are making new discoveries that explain how genes are related to cancer and other diseases. They have identified specific genes linked to breast cancer and other cancers that run in families. Tests are becoming available for women and family members who choose to find out if they have inherited the genetic changes that increase their risk for cancer. There is still much uncertainty involved with gene testing. If you or your family members are considering testing, your doctor or a genetics counselor can give you guidance and help you make an informed decision. It's important to consider carefully the benefits, risks, limitations, and the far-reaching consequences of gene testing. Email us at info@abcf.org to request "A Guide to Breast Health Care" |
