Researchers have yet to discover a definite reason that a women develops this popular disease, however there are several known Breast Cancer Risk Factors.
Here are the main ones:
- Gender.
Being a woman automatically puts you at higher risk to develop breast cancer. Although men can develop breast cancer, the occurrence is very low. - Age.
As a woman’s age increases, the odds of her to develop breast cancer also increase. Although breast cancer does not always play by the rules, most breast cancers occur after menopause. - Race.
Breast cancer is more common in white women than in Latin, Asian or African-American women. - Personal History.
Once a women has had breast cancer, her chances of developing it again are stronger. - Family History.
Breast cancer in a first-degree relative such as a mother, sister or daughter increases a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer herself.Click here to learn more about Genetically inherited breast cancer.
- Reproduction History
Having children after the age of 30 or not having children at all increases a woman’s odds for developing breast cancer. The older a woman is when she has her first child, the more at risk she is. - Menarche and Menopause
Because estrogen levels can affect the occurrence of breast cancer, woman who had thier first period before age 12 and women who reach menopause after age 55 have a higher likelihood for developing breast cancer. - Breast Composition
Dense breast tissue is usually due to the number of ducts and lobules. The denser the breast tissue-the higher the woman’s chances for developing breast cancer. Click here to learn more about special imaging considerations for women with dense breast tissue. - Hormone usage
Women taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy are classified as having a higher likelihood for developing breast cancer.
Other Contributors to Breast Cancer:
- Inactive Lifestyle
- Alcohol Use
- Previous Radiation Exposure
- Being Overweight
An unhealthy diet has been proven to contribute to breast cancer. Click here to read about Breast cancer and diet. And how your diet can help to PREVENT BREAST CANCER.
Just because you have these risk factors….
Just because you may have one or all of these risk factors does not mean that you will eventually have breast cancer. However, it DOES mean that you should discuss this information about your personal history with your doctor. He or she will help you to make a plan to keep you on the offense of this disease.
Click here to learn more on how to reduce your breast cancer risk factors.
And click here to take a quick quiz to help you better determine your risk for breast cancer.
How to Reduce YOUR Risk for Breast Cancer?
Several contributors that may increase your chances for developing breast cancer may be beyond your control and may be unchangeable (i.e. gender, race, family history). However, there are several things you must know if you are interested in reducing your chances for developing breast cancer. Click here to learn more about reducing risk factors
