The risk of breast cancer generally increases as a woman gets older. The National Cancer Institute states that women ages 30 to 39 have a 1 in 233 chance of getting breast cancer. In comparison, the risk jumps to 1 out of 27 for women in the 60 to 69 age group. These estimates do not take into account family history, genetics and other variables that may increase a young woman's risk of getting breast cancer.
BRAC1 & BRAC 2
Women younger than 40 who are diagnosed with breast cancer are apt to have a mutated BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation states a carrier of one of these defective genes has a 30 to 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer during her life.
The breast-cancer risk that is linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations may be affected positively or negatively by environmental and lifestyle considerations.
If you have questions about a possible genetic predisposition to breast cancer, your doctor may recommend you consult with a genetic adviser who can explain your risk in greater deal.
Family History
If you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) who has had breast cancer, your risk of getting the disease increases. However, most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
A woman younger than 40 who has been previously treated for breast cancer has a greater chance of a recurrence than the odds of a woman that age who has never had the disease getting her first diagnosis of cancer.
Miscellaneous Risks
Women in all age groups may place themselves at a higher risk of breast cancer if they are overweight or drink alcohol. The Mayo Clinic suggests less than daily consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Being overweight and a lack of physical activity may also make your more susceptible to breast cancer. A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise at least five days per week is recommended.
Breast Exam & Mammography
Clinical breast examinations are recommended for all women starting at age 20. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every one to two years for all women older than 40. If you are younger than 40 with a family history or have other risk factors, you doctor may suggest you start the low dosage X-ray screening sooner.
Prevention for High-Risk Women
The Mayo Clinic says estrogen-blocking agents (tamoxifen and raloxifene, Evista) help lessen the risk of breast cancer in high risk women.
Some very high-risk women may opt to have their healthy breasts removed (prophylactic mastectomy) to lower their chance of developing the disease.
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