Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

June 10, 2004

Breast Health

Risk Factors for Breast

Cancer

Not all women have the same risk of developing

breast cancer. While any woman can develop the disease, certain

factors do put some women at a statistically greater risk:

• Previous history of breast cancer.
• Family history of breast cancer.

  This is particularly pertinent if the woman’s mother or sisters

  had the disease.

• Early onset of menstrual periods.
• Late menopause. Women who menstruate

  for more than 40 years seem to be at a particular risk of breast

  cancer.

• Postmenopausal age—most cancers

  occur after the age of 50.

• High fat diet—this seems

  to be a risk factor for some cases of breast cancer.

• Obesity.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Prolonged estrogen and progesterone

  use.

Read More on Breast Health:

Getting Started

Breast Cancer

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Fibrocystic Disease

Keep it SIMPLE tip — Exercise Lowers Breast Cancer

Risk

Nutritional Therapies

Change your Lifestyle

Caffeine: Friend or Foe

Soy Controversy

Complementary Therapies

Primavera Recipe

Oxygen Therapy and Oxidants