The most common risk factors For Breast Cancer

The most common risk factors For Breast Cancer:

• Sex. The highest risk factor for breast cancer is being female; the disease is about 100 times more common among women.

• Age. The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows older. The risk is especially high for women age 60 and older. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than age 35, although it does occur. There is some evidence to suggest young African American women are at greater risk for breast cancer than young Caucasian women.

• Personal History. Women who have had breast cancer and women with a history of breast disease (not cancer, but a condition that may predispose them to cancer) may develop it again.

• Family History. The risk of developing breast cancer increases for a woman whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives have had the disease. It is important to know how old they were at the time they were diagnosed.

• The Breast Cancer Genes. Some individuals, both women and men, may be born with an "alteration" (or change) in one of two genes that are important for regulating breast cell growth. Individuals who inherit an alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at an "inherited" higher risk for breast cancer.. Women with a family history of breast cancer are encouraged to speak to a genetics counselor to determine the pros and cons of genetic testing.

Estrogen appears to play a key role in breast cancer. Although estrogen doesn't actually cause breast cancer, it may stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

Lower your risks for breast cancer:
• Decrease your daily fat intake - especially saturated or hydrogenated fats.
• Increase fiber in your diet.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Limit alcohol.
• Stay active.
• Don't smoke.

For additional information on risk factors, refer to the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Facts and Figures


Kayla Wharton - Mrs. North Texas International