Breast Cancer - Are You At Risk?
Statistics for breast cancer are frightening. It is
the second leading cause of cancer death in American women, second
only to lung cancer. It is the most common malignancy in North
America and in Europe. Your chances of getting breast cancer are
one in eight. Fortunately, there have been outstanding strides
made in breast cancer treatment in the last few years.
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No longer is breast cancer automatically considered a
death threat.
Unlike twenty years ago when my cousin died
at the age of 35, many more alternatives, and treatments are
available. Now your risk of dying of breast cancer is less
than one in twenty-eight. That is good news as more and
more women join the ranks of “survivor” of breast cancer.
Risk factors for breast cancer include some
that you can change and some that you cannot change. A
trait that cannot be changed is the fact you are a woman,
you are aging, and you have a family history of breast
cancer. If you have a close family member with breast
cancer, mother, sister, or daughter, your risk doubles.
Other risks that can’t be changed are, if you started your
periods before you were twelve years old, or if you started
menopause later than normal (after fifty.) |
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A newly found genetic mutation is being
researched. This genetic mutation may increase your risk of
breast cancer. The gene BRCA1 or BRCA2 may be inherited
mutations and may cause an increased risk of developing breast
cancer. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer,
especially if they are under the age of 50, you may want to talk
to your doctor. Genetic testing can be performed to see if you
are a carrier of this mutated gene.
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You can reduce your risk of breast cancer by
being aware of the factors that increase your risk of cancer
and the ones you have control of. You will slightly
increase your risk of this disease if you are taking
estrogens with progesterone for symptoms of menopause. If
you are taking birth control pills, they also increase your
risk. Studies show this risk is reduced if a woman has not
taken birth control pills for ten years. Other risks that
you can control are, drinking, being overweight, not getting
the proper amount of exercise, and not breast-feeding.
Remember, anyone can develop breast cancer,
including men. We are all at risk of developing a
malignancy in our breast, and statistics are based on
probabilities and risk factors. You can control and reduce
your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health,
getting the proper exercise, and losing weight. Some risks
are not under your control such as age, family history,
early periods, and late menopause. |
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Knowing what the controllable risks are, and
working to keep your body healthy can reduce the other risks. If you are aware of being at high risk for
developing cancer, you should have regular breast screenings,
and practice self-examination every month. These two items can
greatly reduce your risk of breast cancer.
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