The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in women. But you have more control than you may think. By knowing your risk and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can increase the likelihood that you'll remain breast cancer-free.
You may be at high risk for breast cancer if:
You may be at increased risk for breast cancer if:
When breast cancer is caught early, the odds of survival are high -- 5-year survival rates are as high as 98 percent. So it's important for all women to do self-examinations on a monthly basis. It's even more important if you're in one of the elevated-risk groups above.
Here are some tips on monthly testing from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):
In addition to these self-examinations, women should begin having annual mammograms at age 40, although women in the high-risk groups may want to start as young as 30. Speak to your ob-gyn to determine when you should have your first mammogram.
While you may not have control over some of your risk factors, you do have some control over your lifestyle. Living a healthy, active life can play an active role in reducing your risk of developing breast cancer. Here's what you can do: