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Breast Cancer - Risk factors
The cause of breast cancer is not yet known, although
according to some researchers the contraceptive pill might be a
contributing factor. It is also more common in those following a
'western lifestyle', those over the age of 35 years, childless
women, those with previous problems and those closely related to
someone who has had breast cancer.
| LOW-RISK WOMAN: |
HIGH-RISK WOMAN: |
| Doesn't take the pill
before her first pregnancy. |
Takes the pill when
young - before her first pregnancy. |
| Has no family history
of breast cancer. |
Has a close relative
(mother (2-3 times higher), mother and sister (5 times higher)
with breast cancer. |
| Late onset of periods
(menarche). |
Early onset of
periods (before 11). |
| Completes her family
before 35. |
Late completion of
family (after 35). |
| Breastfeeds for at
least 3 months. |
Has no children or
doesn't breastfeed. |
| Eats a low-fat diet. |
Eats a diet high in
saturated fat. |
| Moderate or no
alcohol intake. |
Drinks more than two
units of alcohol a day. |
| Exercises and
maintains an 'ideal' weight. |
Is overweight. |
| Does not take HRT |
Takes HRT. |
Radiation:
We are all exposed to radiation at some point in out lives.
Low-level radiation such as that which occurs with computer screens,
television, radios and clocks is unlikely to do much in the way of
damage. However, high-energy radiation such as X-rays, increases the
incidence of breast, as well as other cancers. There is also an
increased risk of damaging healthy tissues surrounding a 'cancer
zone', when radiation is used as a means of treatment. These
'affected' cells are not killed by the radiation, but merely damaged
and do show an increased tendency to malignant change with time.
Low-energy sun radiation can result in skin cancer, yet there is
little evidence that exposure to the sun's radiation influences or
increases breast cancer in any way.
Stress:
Psychological factors do seem to play a part. Depression, grief at
bereavement or some other loss, and other forms of mental stress,
heighten the risks of developing cancer.
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