Breast Cancer – Know Your Risk Factors

Every disease, including breast cancer, has risk factors. Risk factors are influences that affect your chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors are things within your control, like exercising and eating healthy, and others cannot be changed, like family history.
“Having multiple risk factors for breast cancer doesn’t always mean you will get the disease,” said CompleteCare Health Network Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. “Many women with multiple risk factors never develop the cancer and other women, without any apparent elevated risk do. But, knowing your risk factors is important so you can share the information with your provider. If you are at a higher risk, your doctor may begin detective testing earlier than usual, so it is important to schedule regular gynecological exams and remain communicative with your provider if you discover new risk factors.”
Risk Factors – Those You Can’t Control
Gender-Men can and do develop breast cancer, but due to having more hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can promote breast cancer cell growth, women are about 100 times more likely to develop the disease.
Age-“As you age, your risk of developing breast cancer increases,” said Dr. Bettigole. “Women of all ages are encouraged to do breast self-exams at least once a month and women over the age of 40 should consider scheduling a mammogram every one-two years.”
Race and Ethnicity-Asian, Hispanic and Native-American women have a lower risk of getting and dying from breast cancer. African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer, as they are often diagnosed at a more advanced stage than other women.
Family History-A woman’s risk of getting breast cancer is doubled when they have a first-degree relative with the disease. Having other relatives with the disease, including male family members, may also increase risk.
Risk Factors-Lifestyle Decisions
Children-Making the decision to have children may decrease your chances of developing breast cancer, especially if you had your first child before the age of 30.
Birth Control-“Women who have used oral contraceptives may have a greater risk for developing breast cancer than women who have never used them,” said Dr. Bettigole. “This risk may dissipate over time and go back to normal levels once the woman stops taking the birth control pills.”
Hormone Therapy- If hormone therapy is something you are considering, consult your provider for the specific risk factors associated with the type of therapy that is being recommended.
Breastfeeding-Breastfeeding, especially when continued for 1.5 to 2 years, has shown in some studies to decrease the chances of developing breast cancer slightly.
Alcohol Use-Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer. This risk increases as the amount of alcohol used is increased.
Weight- Where extra weight is carried and when weight gain occurred can all impact risk for breast cancer.
Physical Activity – Being active has positive impacts on overall health and wellness and some studies show that regular physical activity can help decrease the chances of developing breast cancer.
At the end of the day, no one can completely predict their likelihood for developing any disease, including breast cancer. Scheduling a regular appointment with your gynecologist is necessary, so they can determine when it is best for you to start having mammograms or other testing based on your personal history. Consult your doctor if you feel a breast lump or see other changes in your breasts, as well as with any questions or concerns you might have about breast cancer.
CompleteCare Health Network offers OB/GYN services at their Cape May Court House and Wildwood locations. Call 609-465-0258 or visit www.CompleteCareNJ.org.