Breast Cancer Risk: What You Need To Know
Breast cancer is a cancer which begins in the cells of the breast. There are many different types of breast cancer depending on where the cancer starts, and how it progresses. Some types are more prevalent than other types. The various types each have their own unique risks and likelihood of cure.
The American Cancer Society estimates that one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point during their lives. Though not as prevalent as other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, breast cancer is widely feared because of the associated risks of death, illness, and disfigurement. A particular woman’s breast cancer risk is dependent on many complicated factors which are not yet well understood.
These breast cancer risk factors include age, family history, individual genetic variation, and a prior history of breast lesions. To a lesser degree, other breast cancer risk factors include: previous abnormal biopsies, age the woman first had children, age of first menstruation, age of menopause, obesity, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, along with numerous other factors. Despite the long list of risks, seven out of every ten women diagnosed with breast cancer had no obvious risk factors for breast cancer.
The exact causes of breast cancer and its risks are not truly known although they are matters that continue to be heavily researched. But experts have developed tools to help each woman identify and understand the risks that pertain to her in particular so that she can take actions to reduce or eliminate those risks. Obesity is one risk for breast cancer that can be dealt with. These tools can be found on various web sites on the Internet, including those of major universities and institutions that deal with research and treatment of breast cancer.
In spite of the widespread and understandable fear of breast cancer, many breast lumps are just abnormal growths that are benign. These abnormal growths are usually called tumors, although the term ‘tumor’ doesn’t always imply cancer since a tumor may be either cancerous or benign.
A doctor must be consulted if you find anything abnormal about your breasts. The doctor will perform tests to learn more about the abnormality. The mammogram is one type of screening test that you should get regularly from your doctor. Online you can find a lot of information about breast cancer risk. You can also talk to your doctor for more information.
Any woman’s breast cancer risk is determined by many complex factors that are not yet well understood. These factors include family history, individual genetic variation, and previous history of any breast lesion. Changes to the breast, including any noticeable abnormalities, should be immediately brought to the attention of a physician. Appropriate follow up tests can determine the nature of the problem. Thankfully, although women worldwide are afraid of breast cancer, most lumps are just abnormal tissue tumors that turn out to be benign. Tests to screen for breast cancer, such as the mammogram, should be performed as recommended by your doctor.
- Stephan Grindley
