Who Is at High Risk for Breast Cancer?
It should be emphasized that monthly breast self-examination, breast examination by a physician, and mammography at appropriate intervals as recommended by the American Cancer Society, are essential procedures for all women to follow. It is not to be interpreted as limited to only those women who are considered at high risk for breast cancer. As a matter of fact, an estimated 70 to 75 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors other than their age and being female.
It is known, however, that certain women are more likely than others to develop breast cancer and these women should undergo professional breast cancer check-ups more frequently than the recommended average.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors:
- Gender (Female)
- Age
- Western European Origin
- Family history of breast cancer
- Previous cancer in one breast
- Previous biopsy result "atypical hyperplasia"
- Nulliparity (Having borne no children)
- Late first full-term pregnancy
- Early menarche (less than 12 years old)
- Late menopause ( > age 55)
- Exposure to ionizing irradiation
- High fat diet and obesity
- Estrogen use
- Urban environment
- Alcohol intake
No one factor or combination of factors have been found that can be used to predict the occurrence of breast cancer in any individual; no single factor is enough to base a decision. All factors must be considered in estimating the chance that a woman may develop breast cancer.