Every woman–and some men–are at risk for developing breast cancer over the course of their lives. According to the National Cancer Institute there are 192,770 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in women and 1,910 cases diagnosed in men in 2009 alone. For this same year, breast cancer deaths account for 40,170 women and 440 men and these numbers are still rising. While everyone has heard that early detection is key to recovery, how does one know that they is at greater risk and what can be done to reduce those risks?
In addition to genetics, which accounts for less than 10% of all breast cancer, studies by various organizations and universities suggest that there are other risk factors women can gauge to determine if their risk is elevated.
Menstrual history: women who got their periods early, before age 12, and women who begin menopause later in life have a greater risk because they are exposed to estrogen and progesterone for longer period of time.
Age: chances of developing breast cancer increase with age . . . exponentially.
Family history: having only one first-degree relative with breast cancer doubles the risk while having two first-degree relatives increase the risk 5-fold. A first degree relative is a mother, sister or daughter.
Previous chest radiation: women who, as children or young adults, had radiation therapy to the chest area as treatment for another cancer have significantly increased risk for developing breast cancer. Radiation treatment after age 40 does not seem to increase breast cancer risk.
Not having children or having them later in life: women who do not have children or who have them after the age of 30 have a slightly higher risk than women who had children early on.
Oral contraceptives: women who use oral contraceptives have a slightly greater risk of developing breast cancer than those who do not; however, this risk goes back down to normal after about 10 years of non-use.
HRT Users: users of post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. This increases estrogen and progesterone in the body.
While there are conditions or events that increase one’s chances of developing breast cancer there are also things we can to do to reduce that risk, including:
Early detection: get yearly check-ups and call your doctor anytime you think something may be wrong.
Maintain a healthy weight: the lighter you are the less estrogen your body produces.
Walk: several studies suggest that walking as little as an hour and a half per week may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 18% (American Cancer Society).
Eating right: eating a diet low in fat and consuming the right foods may help to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Eating walnuts cut the risk of developing tumors and slowed breast cancer tumor growth in mice. Experts predict walnuts will have similar results in humans. Soy foods contain cancer fighting isoflavones. A longitudinal study in China found that women who had a diet high in soy during adolescence and beyond were at a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Some evidence suggests that eating carrots and whole grains may also reduce the risk.
Resource: The American Cancer Society
