Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Breast cancer afflicts nearly 180,000 women a year in the United States and is the cause of death for nearly 44,000 annually. What many women don't realize is that the disease doesn't have to be a death sentence. By doing monthly breast self examinations, yearly mammograms after the age of 50, and clinical examinations, breast cancer can be detected in time to ensure a 92 percent cure rate. The key is early detection and treatment.

To better know what preventative measures should be taken, you need to understand your risk factors. Risk factors that you cannot control include gender, age, previous cancer, family history, early onset of menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 50), and late child bearing (first child after age 30). Only 20-30 percent of women who have breast cancer have one or more of these risk factors. Researchers are continuously seeking new treatments and searching for a cure.

Some factors that you can control include getting enough exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, creating support systems, eliminating exposure to hazardous toxins in the environment, and paying attention to your emotional well-being. Although these factors help you maintain good overall health, there is no guarantee that they will decrease your risk of breast cancer.

As you can see, it is very important that you assess your risk factors, lifestyle, and other aspects of your health to make the changes that are within your control. By taking these steps, in conjunction with the early detection methods, you are helping to prevent breast cancer in yourself.

In addition to breast cancer, women should know about other cancers that affect the female reproductive system, including cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva. These account for about 13% of all women's cancers diagnosed in the US. The most common of these is uterine cancer, with 32,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Many of these cancers do have high cure rates now, thanks to early detection and new treatment methods.

Whether it be breast cancer or any other female cancer, it is so important for women to educate themselves and learn more about these diseases. We encourage you to learn more by reading What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer.