risk and protective factors- breast cancer – Flashcards

Women are much more likely than men are to develop breast cancer

If you've had breast cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of developing cancer in the other breast.

If your mother, sister or daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly at a young age, your risk of breast cancer is increased.

Certain gene mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer can be passed from parents to children. The most common gene mutations are referred to as BRCA1 and BRCA2

If you received radiation treatments to your chest as a child or young adult, your risk of breast cancer is increased.

Women who take hormone therapy medications that combine estrogen and progesterone to treat the signs and symptoms of menopause have an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer decreases when women stop taking these medications.

this includes breast scanning by a Doctor who specialize in diagnostic tests, such as mammograms and self examination

Studies have found a protective effect of about 15 to 20% in women who take half an hour of exercise 5 times a week. So being active may lower your risk of breast cancer by about a fifth

Statistics show that if you breastfeed you are less at risk of developing breast cancer, particularly if you have your children when you are younger.

A healthy diet may help to prevent breast cancer

Research has shown that women regularly using aspirin or other non steroidal anti inflammatory medicines probably have a small reduction in their risk of breast cancer