-
All women are at risk just as men but increased risk factors include:
Family history- a family history of breast cancer is the strongest known risk factor especially if your mother was diagnosed before menopause or if both your mother and sister have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Although of the breast cancers detected each year only 5% account for heredity factors.
Age- the odds go up as you get older.
Reproduction history- early menstration, late menopause, and delayed or no child bearing increase risks slightly.
Hormones- the amount of hormone dosage and length of time on birth controls pills. The hormones proven to be an active part of breast cancer development is estrogen, progestrone and prolactin.
Radiation exposure- but remember regular mammograms is minor radiation and considered very necessary in detection.
Exposure to carinogens- cigarettes, chewing tobacco, second hand smoke, artifical sweeteners, UV-rays and certain medications/treatments.
-
For men the risk is increased with Klinefelter's syndrome, gynecomastia,
and testicular pathology and dysfunction. Also raised serum cholesterol,
gallstones, non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus and chronic liver disease
seem to increase a males risk. A decrease in risk may be associated with
high levels of fertility and a history of prostate cancer.
Special note...... all the facts contained on these pages were taken from various sites around the net which can be located through the links page. I only claim to quote what I have read and I certainly am no physician. Please if you have any questions contact your doctor immediately.
