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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, February 10, 2012
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, February 10, 2012
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Breast Cancer |
???11/12/2003 |
how does someone get breast cancer
Scientists do not know the exact causes of breast cancer. It is thought there are many variables involved when a man or woman develops breast cancer. Researchers have defined risk factors that increase the chance of developing breast cancer. But many women who have breast cancer have none of the risk factors. Risk factors that cannot be changed are 1)Gender: Just being a woman is the main risk factor. 2) Aging: About 77%of women with breast cancer are over age 50. 3) Genetic risk factors: About 5-10% of breast cancer cases are due to changes of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes normally protect the cells from cancer but if they become mutated, chances of developing breast cancer increase. 4)Family history of breast cancer: Women who have one blood relative on either side of the family doubles their risk of the disease and having two first-degree relatives increases their risk 5-fold. 5)Personal history of breast cancer: A women who has had breast cancer in one breast has a 3-4 fold increased risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast. 6) Previous radiation: Women who have had radiation of the chest area for treatment for another disease have increased risk of breast cancer. 7) Menstrual periods: Women who have long menses, that is, starting menstruation before age 12 and go through menopause after 55 are at risk. Lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk of breast cancer are: Low fat diets, avoiding obesity, no smoking, limited intake of alcohol, increased exercise, avoiding long-term use(10 years or more) of estrogen replacement therapy, and having children before the age of 30. Thank you for your question.
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Janet Trigg, RN, MSN, EdD Formerly: College of Nursing University of Cincinnati |
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