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Q: Who is at risk for breast cancer?
A: All women are at risk for
breast cancer. The two most significant risk factors are being female
and getting older. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer
have no other known risk factors.
Q: What are the risk factors that put women at a
higher risk for breast cancer?
A: A personal history of breast or
ovarian cancer, a relative who had breast cancer before menopause or in
both breasts, a personal history of breast biopsy showing atypical
hyperplasia or carcinoma in situ, being young at the time of your first
period, starting menopause later, never being pregnant or having your
first child after age 30 and having the mutated breast cancer gene BRCA1
or BRCA2.
Q: Are women who have
fibrocystic changes in their breasts at higher risk for breast cancer?
A: Fibrocystic breast changes,
lumpiness plus tenderness or pain at certain times of the month, do not
increase your chance of getting breast cancer. Keep in mind: Performing
breast self-exams will help a woman become familiar with what is normal
for her breasts.
Q: What role does diet and
nutritionplay in reducing one's breast cancer risk?
A: For overall wellness and
possibly to decrease your breast cancer risk, it is recommended that
women consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole
grains and legumes.
Q: Will drinking alcohol increase one's risk for
breast cancer?
A: Numerous studies have shown
that high levels of alcohol intake probably increase the risk of breast
cancer. If you drink, drink in moderation — less than one drink per day.
Q: Are women who use birth
control pills at an increased risk for breast cancer?
A:
Studies have shown that taking birth control pills for five years
or longer can slightly increase your risk for breast cancer. However,
there is no apparent increase in a woman's risk of breast cancer 10 or
more years after she has stopped using oral contraceptives.
Q: What role does exercise play in reducing one's
breast cancer risk?
A: Physical activity may protect
you from breast cancer if you are premenopausal or are a younger
postmenopausal woman. Exercise reduces estrogen levels, fights obesity,
lowers insulin levels and boosts the immune system.
Q: What should I do if I am at
higher risk for breast cancer?
A: Talk to your doctor about risk
assessment and possible options to reduce your risk of breast cancer
such as the antiestrogen drug, tamoxifen. |
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The facts about breast cancer
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During the 1990's, approximately 1.8
million women and 12,000 men were diagnosed with invasive breast
cancer. |
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This year, an estimated 182,800
women and 1,400 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast
cancer. |
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Approximately 40,000 women and 400
men will die of breast cancer this year. |
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Breast cancer is the leading cancer
site among American women and is second only to lung cancer in
cancer deaths. |
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When breast cancer is confined to
the breast, the five year survival rate is over 95 percent. |
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