Understanding The Risk Factors That Could Increase Your Chances of Developing Breast Cancer

Even though research is underway to help determine the cause of breast cancer, doctors are still unable to explain why it is that one woman develops breast cancer and another doesn't. Breast cancer has become so prevalent that everyone seems to know someone with breast cancer. Many women wonder whether they, too, will ever face breast cancer. All women want to do everything they can to reduce the chance of ever developing breast cancer. However, at present, there is still so little known about what causes the disease. True "prevention" is still not possible.

How to Understand Risk Factors that Could Increase the Chances of Developing Breast Cancer #1 Internal and external factors

On the other hand, researchers are working on ways to learn how our external and internal environments may work to affect our health and possibly even the risk of ever developing breast cancer. When we talk of "internal environment" we are talking of the things inside our bodies that can influence our health, such as genetic factors, hormones, illnesses, thoughts and feelings. "External factors" looks more at things that are outside our bodies that influence our health, such as air, water, food, danger, people and stress. The external environment also affects our internal environment each and every day. Just consider the food you choose to eat, the water you drink, and the air you breathe in on a daily basis. On a more subtle level, there is the way in which you absorb your environment around you, including your home and workplace. Of course, some of these factors that we have mentioned such as genetic makeup do not have much impact on your breast health. However, the impact that air quality and exercise have are less understood.

How to Understand Risk Factors that Could Increase the Chances of Developing Breast Cancer #2 Protective factors and risk factors

Factors that increase your chance of developing breast cancer are known as risk factors. Anything that reduces your risk of developing breast cancer is known as a protective factor. Some risk factors can be controlled. For example, if you are overweight, you can reduce your risk factor by losing some weight. You can also make choices over the type of medicines you use, as some promote weight gain.

How to Understand Risk Factors that Could Increase the Chances of Developing Breast Cancer #3 Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men

There are other factors that are beyond your control. For example, if you are a woman, then you are more likely to develop breast cancer than a man. The reason for this is because women have more oestrogen and progesterone in their bodies. These two hormones are responsible for stimulating breast cell growth, that are both normal and abnormal. Another risk factor is age. But you cannot reverse the aging process and lower your risk factor. Aging is one of the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer, besides being a woman.

How to Understand Risk Factors that Could Increase the Chances of Developing Breast Cancer #4 Knowledge is power

When it comes to arming yourself, knowledge really is power. So instead of listening to all the myths floating around out there about breast cancer, educate yourself about the risk factors and where you fit in. When you talk to your doctor, you can discuss such issues as lessening risk factors that can be controlled and boosting the protective factors. It is a good idea to have regular screening tests that can detect breast cancer, such as an annual mammogram and a breast exam during the annual checkup. This will allow your doctor to make sure your breasts are healthy. Screening increases the chances of the doctor finding breast cancer in its early stages, when it is much easier to treat. You can also make sure you conduct regular checks on your breasts when you are in the shower. Feel for any abnormality. If you feel any lumps that were not there before, make an appointment to see a doctor right away. You owe it to yourself to look after your breasts. Doing so can help you detect breast cancer early on. That could save your life.

Source:

http://www.breastcancer.org/prevention.html