DMochelle Fashions Magazine
September/October 2017
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
GENERAL
Aging: On average, women over 60 are more likely to be diagnosed with
breast cancer. Only about 10 – 15 percent of breast cancers occur in women
younger than 45. However, this may vary for different races or ethnicities.
Gender: Although nearly 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer
each year, breast cancer is 100 times more common in women. The National
Cancer Institute estimates that over 190,000 women will be diagnosed with
breast cancer annually.
GENETICS
Family history: Having a family history of breast cancer, particularly
women with a mother, sister or daughter who has or had breast cancer, may
double the risk.
Inherited factors: Some inherited genetic mutations may increase your
breast cancer risks. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most
common inherited causes. Other rare mutations may also make some women
more susceptible to developing breast cancer. Gene testing reveals the
presence of potential genetic problems, particularly in families that have a
history of breast cancer. Read about Angelina Jolie's decision based on her
BRCA1 test.
BODY
Obesity: After menopause, fat tissue may contribute to increases in estrogen
levels, and high levels of estrogen may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Weight gain during adulthood and excess body fat around the waist may also
play a role.
Not having children: Women who have had no children, or who were
pregnant later in life (over age 35) may have a greater chance of developing
breast cancer. Breast-feeding may help to lower your breast cancer risks.
High breast density: Women with less fatty tissue and more glandular and
fibrous tissue may be at higher risk for developing breast cancer than women
with less dense breasts.
Certain breast changes: Certain benign (noncancerous) breast conditions
may increase breast cancer risk.
Menstrual history: Women who start menstruation at an early age (before
age 12) and/or menopause at an older age (after age 55) have a slightly higher
risk of breast cancer. The increase in risk may be due to a longer lifetime
exposure to the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
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