Breast Cancer: Risk Factors
The cause of breast cancer is not known but we do know some risk factors. It is considered a risk factor that situation that increases the chance of developing the disease.
Keep in mind that women who are more likely to develop breast cancer (by having more risk factors) can take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood and periodic revisions or changes in your lifestyle.
RISK FACTORS
** Sex
Breast cancer occurs mainly in women though. It can also affect men but the probability is much lower.
** Age
An elderly carries an increased number of cancers. 60% of breast tumors occur in women over 60 years. This percentage increases much more after 75 years.
** Genes
There are two identified genes that, when any change in them (mutation) are associated with an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer. These genes are called BRCA1 and BRCA2, and according to some studies it seems that between 50% and 60% of women who have inherited the mutated genes can develop cancer before age 70.
** Family history
When a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) had breast cancer doubles the risk of autism. If this is a more distant relative (grandmother, aunt, cousin) increases the risk only slightly.
** Personal history
A previous benign breast disease seems to increase risk in women who have a large number of ducts. Still, this risk is moderate. Some abnormal breast biopsy may be related to a slightly elevated risk of breast cancer. The risk of developing cancer in the other breast in women who have had breast cancer is different from the first recurrence or recurrence of cancer.
** Race
White women are more likely to get breast cancer than blacks, although mortality is higher in the latter, probably because they were detected at more advanced stages. Those with less risk of autism are Asian and Hispanic women.
** Menstrual periods
The sooner you start to menstruation (before age 12), the greater the risk (two to four times higher) for this disease compared with those who started later (after 14 years). The same occurs with menopause, women with late menopause (after age 55) are at increased risk. Pregnancy after age 30 also increases risk. These factors, although very frequent, often have little impact on cancer risk.
FACTORS RELATED TO LIFESTYLE
** Long term use of contraceptives
Recent studies have shown that prolonged use of contraceptives is not related to breast cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy **
This therapy, which is used to relieve symptoms of menopause appears to increase long-term (more than 10 years) the risk of breast cancer, although studies in this regard are not conclusive dle.
** Alcohol
Alcohol consumption for years is clearly linked to elevated risk of breast cancer.
Overweight **
Excess weight appears to be associated with a higher risk of having this disease, although there is no evidence that a particular type of diet (high fat diet) increases the risk.
We must bear these risk factors, and avoid those that can. Also be aware that, currently, between 70% and 80% of all breast cancers occur in women without risk factors apply and that only 5% to 10% have a genetic origin for possessing the mutated BRCA1 genes and BRCA2. At present there are some clearly defined criteria to recommend the completion of these tests. It is not enough, for example, having a relative with breast cancer (mother or sister) to indicate its completion.