According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women.
According to the ACSTrusted Source, in the United States in 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women, and 2,650 cases diagnosed in men. An additional 49,290 cases of DCIS were diagnosed in women. An estimated 44,130 breast cancer deaths occurred in 2021, including 43,600 women and 530 men.
There are several risk factors that increase your chances of getting breast cancer. However, having any of these doesn’t mean you will definitely develop the disease.
Some risk factors can’t be avoided, such as family history. You can change other risk factors, such as smoking. Risk factors for breast cancer include:
*Age.
Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you age. Most invasive breast cancers are found in women over 55 years old.
*Drinking alcohol.
Alcohol use disorder raises your risk.
*Having dense breast tissue.
Dense breast tissue makes mammograms hard to read. It also increases your risk of breast cancer.
*Gender.
According to the ACSTrusted Source, white women are 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than white men, and Black women are 70 times more likely to develop breast cancer than Black men.
*Genes.
People who have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are more likely to develop breast cancer than people who don’t. Other gene mutations may also affect your risk.
*Early menstruation.
If you had your first period before you were 12 years old, you have an increased risk of breast cancer.
*Giving birth at an older age.
People who have their first child after 35 years old have an increased risk of breast cancer.
*Hormone therapy.
People who took or are taking postmenopausal estrogen and progesterone medications to help reduce their signs of menopause symptoms have a higher risk of breast cancer.
If a close female relative has had breast cancer, you have an increased risk of developing it. This includes your mother, grandmother, sister, or daughter. If you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, you can still develop breast cancer. In fact, most people who develop it have no family history of the disease.
*Late menopause start.
People who start menopause after they’re 55 years old are more likely to develop breast cancer.
*Never having been pregnant.
People who have never become pregnant or carried a pregnancy to full term are more likely to develop breast cancer.
* Previous breast cancer.
If you have had breast cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in your other breast or in a different area of the previously affected breast.
While there are risk factors you can’t control, following a healthy lifestyle, getting regular screenings, and taking any preventive measures your doctor recommends can help lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors can affect your risk of breast cancer.
For instance, people who have obesity have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet and getting regular exercise as often as possible could help you lose weight and lower your risk.
According to the American Association for Cancer Research, alcohol misuse also increases your risk. This can be having more than two drinks per day or binge-drinking.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about what amount they recommend for you.
Having regular mammograms may not prevent breast cancer, but it can help reduce the chance that it will go undetected.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) provides the following general recommendations for women at average risk of breast cancer:
*Women ages 40 to 49. An annual mammogram isn’t recommended, but discuss your preferences with your doctor.
*Women ages 50 to 74. A mammogram every other year is recommended.
*Women 75 years and older. Mammograms are no longer recommended.
The ACP also recommends against mammograms for women with a life expectancy of 10 years or less.
These are only guidelines.
Recommendations from the ACSTrusted Source differ. According to the ACS, women should:
* Have the option of receiving annual screenings at 40 years old * Begin annual screenings at 45 years old * Move to screening every other year at 55 years old
Specific recommendations for mammograms are different for everyone, so talk with your doctor to see if you should get regular mammograms.
You may have an increased risk of breast cancer due to hereditary factors.
For instance, if your parent has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you’re at higher risk of having it as well. This significantly raises your risk of breast cancer.
If you’re at risk for this mutation, talk with your doctor about your diagnostic and prophylactic treatment options. You may want to be tested to find out whether you have the mutation.
And if you learn that you do have it, talk with your doctor about any preemptive steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. These steps could include a prophylactic mastectomy, or surgical removal of a breast. You may also consider chemoprophylaxis, or taking medication, such as Tamoxifen, to potentially reduce your breast cancer risk.
In addition to mammograms, breast exams are another way to watch for signs of breast cancer.
Self-Exams:
Many people do a breast self-examination. It’s best to do this exam once per month, at the same time each month. The exam can help you become familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel so that you’re aware of any changes that occur.
Keep in mind, though, that the ACSTrusted Source considers these exams to be optional, because current research hasn’t shown a clear benefit of physical exams, whether performed at home or by a doctor.
Breast Exam By Your Doctor:
The same guidelines for self-exams provided above are true for breast exams done by your doctor or other healthcare professional. They won’t hurt you, and your doctor may do a breast exam during your annual visit.
If you’re having symptoms that concern you, it’s a good idea to have your doctor do a breast exam. During the exam, your doctor will check both of your breasts for abnormal spots or signs of breast cancer.
Your doctor may also check other parts of your body to see if the symptoms you’re having could be related to another condition.
Breast Cancer Awareness:
People around the world are increasingly aware of the issues associated with breast cancer.
Breast cancer awareness efforts have helped people learn:
*What their risk factors are *How they can reduce their level of risk *What symptoms they should look for *What kinds of screening they should be getting
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is held each October, but many people spread the word throughout the year.
.png)
.png)
0 Comments