Each year, over 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is considered the second deadly disease in women. It is not known yet as to the exact cause for breast cancer. Some women that do not have it in their family can still develop breast cancer. There are, however, identified risk factors for breast cancer that all women should be aware of.
One of the risk factors that a woman should be aware of is if there is a history of breast cancer in her family. If one of her close relatives had breast cancer, she would make sure her physician is aware of the history. In some cases, the physician might recommend that she take a gene test to identify whether or not she might be a carrier for the disease.
Another risk factor would be if the woman has a personal history of breast cancer. Depending on her first diagnosis and treatment, there could be a chance of reoccurrence in the same breast if it was not removed, the other breast, or in other areas of the body if the cancer has spread. It's important that the woman who had battled with breast cancer go in annually for a check up.
If the woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past, this may be another risk factor for recurrence in the future. Recurrence can come back in her breasts, lymph nodes, or other areas in the body. It is important she continue with her annual check up and screening.
Diseases of the breast can be a risk factor. Changes in the cells in the breasts can lead to an abnormal cell called atypical hyperplasia, which can increase the possibility of turning into cancer cells down the road. In recent years, there were studies that showed excessive radiation, especially at a young age, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Too much radiation from x-rays can be detriment to a woman's health in later years.
Women who are considered over weight are another risk factor. Studies have showed an increase of over weight women being diagnosed with breast cancer. Therefore, it is important for women to eat a healthy diet and exercise at least three to four times a week to avoid diabetes, increase in cholesterol, and maintain a balance blood pressure.
Some other risk factors to consider are: having children later in the years, starting menstrual cycle at a very early age, taking birth control for long periods of time, hormone therapy, and race. If a woman feels she might be at high risk for breast cancer, she should immediately inform her physician. Together, they can determine ways to be proactive in early detection.
One of the risk factors that a woman should be aware of is if there is a history of breast cancer in her family. If one of her close relatives had breast cancer, she would make sure her physician is aware of the history. In some cases, the physician might recommend that she take a gene test to identify whether or not she might be a carrier for the disease.
Another risk factor would be if the woman has a personal history of breast cancer. Depending on her first diagnosis and treatment, there could be a chance of reoccurrence in the same breast if it was not removed, the other breast, or in other areas of the body if the cancer has spread. It's important that the woman who had battled with breast cancer go in annually for a check up.
If the woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past, this may be another risk factor for recurrence in the future. Recurrence can come back in her breasts, lymph nodes, or other areas in the body. It is important she continue with her annual check up and screening.
Diseases of the breast can be a risk factor. Changes in the cells in the breasts can lead to an abnormal cell called atypical hyperplasia, which can increase the possibility of turning into cancer cells down the road. In recent years, there were studies that showed excessive radiation, especially at a young age, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Too much radiation from x-rays can be detriment to a woman's health in later years.
Women who are considered over weight are another risk factor. Studies have showed an increase of over weight women being diagnosed with breast cancer. Therefore, it is important for women to eat a healthy diet and exercise at least three to four times a week to avoid diabetes, increase in cholesterol, and maintain a balance blood pressure.
Some other risk factors to consider are: having children later in the years, starting menstrual cycle at a very early age, taking birth control for long periods of time, hormone therapy, and race. If a woman feels she might be at high risk for breast cancer, she should immediately inform her physician. Together, they can determine ways to be proactive in early detection.
About the Author:
Martha Jones is a young breast cancer survivor that promotes early detection, awareness in young women, and living a healthier life after breast cancer.
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