| Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects | | | | hereditary genes associated with breast cancer; |
| around 44,500 people each year. It can effect both | | | | BRCA1 and BRCA2. If you have one of these genes |
| men and women with approximately 300 men being | | | | your risk is also increased. |
| diagnosed with the condition annually. The cancer | | | | 5) NOT HAVING CHILDREN:- Not having any children |
| develops when the cells in the breast become | | | | or giving birth later in life (after the age of 30) |
| malignant and start to multiply uncontrollably. Over | | | | marginally increases your breast cancer risk. |
| time this can lead to the formation of a lump in the | | | | Contrastingly, having children in your twenties or |
| breast. No one is sure exactly what causes this type | | | | having multiple children reduces your risk. |
| of cancer but there are a number of strong risk | | | | 6) MENSTRUAL PERIODS:- Menstruating is believed |
| factors. In this article I will be discussing seven of | | | | to increase a women's breast cancer risk in the long |
| these. | | | | term. Therefore, women who started their periods |
| 1) GENDER:- Being female is the main risk factor for | | | | early or enter the menopause (a time when the |
| this type of cancer with it occurring in less than 1% | | | | female reproductive system shuts down completely) |
| of males. The reason for this is that women have | | | | late do have a greater chance of developing this |
| more breast cells than men and these cells are | | | | type of cancer. This is thought to be linked to the |
| constantly exposed to estrogen and progesterone. | | | | increased levels of estrogen stimulating cancer cells |
| These female hormones both promote growth and | | | | whilst a woman's reproductive system is active. |
| are believed to stimulate the growth of cancer cells. | | | | 7) PERSONAL HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER:- If |
| 2) GETTING OLDER:- Unfortunately breast cancer | | | | you have previously had this type of cancer then |
| becomes more common as you get older. Up to age | | | | you have are at a greater risk than someone who |
| 39 women's risk of developing this type of cancer is | | | | has never had the disease. On top of this if you |
| about 0.5%. However, this increases to 7% for | | | | have previously contracted this condition in one |
| women over the age of 60. The reason that age is | | | | breast your chances of it developing in the other |
| such a major risk factor is that is that the longer you | | | | breast are increased. |
| live the greater the chances of your cells becoming | | | | Many of the risk factors discussed in this article are |
| damaged and turning cancerous. | | | | beyond your control. However, by being aware of |
| 3) DRINKING ALCOHOL:- Studies suggest that the | | | | them you can work out your own personal risk. From |
| more you drink the greater your risk of developing | | | | here you can then see your doctor and discuss any |
| this type of cancer is. Although drinking alcohol does | | | | possible treatments and preventative action. I hope |
| not increase your breast cancer risk significantly, the | | | | this article clears up any confusion and helps you |
| amount of alcohol you consume directly influences | | | | determine whether you are at risk. |
| your risk. Therefore, moderate drinkers are less likely | | | | Whilst every intention has been made to make this |
| to develop this type of cancer than heavy drinkers. | | | | article accurate and informative, it is intended for |
| 4) OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH CANCER:- Your | | | | general information only. Breast cancer is a very |
| family history can determine how likely you are to | | | | serious, life threatening condition and you should |
| develop this disease. If other people in your family | | | | discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes |
| have previously contracted cancer then this makes | | | | fully with your doctor. |
| you more likely. On top of this there are two specific | | | | |