Church Partnership Newsletter October 2017 | Page 2

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Include the Following:
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A family history of breast cancer in a first-degree relative
(mother, daughter, or sister).
Inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or in
other genes that increase the risk of breast cancer.
Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram.
Exposure of breast tissue to estrogen made by the body.
This may be caused by:
o Menstruating at an early age.
o Older age at first birth or never having given
birth.
o Starting menopause at a later age
Taking hormones such as estrogen combined with
progestin for symptoms of menopause.
Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest.
Drinking alcohol.
Obesity.
Older age is the main risk factor for most cancers. The chance of getting cancer increases as you get
older.
Signs of Breast Cancer – What to Look For:
These and other signs may be caused by breast cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you
have any of the following:
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A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm
area.
A change in the size or shape of the breast.
A dimple or puckering in the skin of the breast.
A nipple turned inward into the breast.
Fluid, other than breast milk, from the nipple, especially if it's
bloody.
Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola
(the dark area of skin around the nipple).
Dimples in the breast that look like the skin of an orange, called peau d’orange.
Resource: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq