We always like to inform all of you about the risk of getting breast cancer in specifically females:
- Genetics: When your family members have a history of cancer like your mother, aunt, and/or grandmother especially when it’s detected at a younger age. The chances of you getting cancer is higher. It’s important to be active to help reduce your risk.
- History: If you’ve had cancer in the past then your chances are higher of getting it again. If you’ve had cancer in one breast then your chances of getting it in the other breast is increased. We highly encourage for you to get screening and regular mammograms to stay ahead of the game.
- Inherited Genes: There are gene mutations that can make your risk higher and it can be passed on from mothers to children. The genes are commonly known as BRCA2 and BRCA1. This genes can increase your chances of getting cancer tremendously so be sure to get tested.
- Radiation Exposure: Women who have been exposed to radiation like x-rays as a young child will increase your chances as well. We always suggest to avoid any type of radiation unless its purely necessary.
- Obesity: Women who have excess weight will have an increased risk of getting breast cancer. We always recommend for you to stay active, eat healthy, and for you to check your weight to make sure you are staying on track. It’s been said 5% of cancer cases can be avoided by keeping a healthy weight.
Finally here are some facts about the cancer:
- Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women.
- About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in their life.
- It is also the second leading cause of death in American women.
- Each year an estimated 2,150 men in the US will be diagnosed with the disease.