The thought of having breast cancer is frightening to every woman and devastating to some. However, ignoring the possibility that you may get breast cancer or avoiding the things you should do (i.e., mammograms, breast self-examination) to detect cancer at an early stage can be even more dangerous.

While some women are at a higher risk, the fact is that every woman should consider herself at risk for developing breast cancer. Monthly breast self examinations, clinical breast examinations by a health professional and mammography done annually remain the best line of defense for early breast cancer detection.

75% of patients diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

AGING
Aging is the single most important factor for the development of breast cancer. Some 77% of women with a new diagnosis of breast cancer each year are over age 50. As we become older our risk of breast cancer increases.

WOMEN AT MINIMAL INCREASED RISK
(annual mammography after age 40)

• Early menarche (start of periods at age 12 or younger)

• Late menopause (age 55 or older)

• Nulliparity (women who do not have children)

• Late age of first full-term pregnancy (after age 30)

• Family history with post menopausal breast cancer

• Increased weight or taller stature

• High alcohol consumption

• High fat diet

• Lack of exercise or physical activity

WOMEN AT GREATER INCREASED RISK
(annual mammography starting at age 30)

• First degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with premenopausal breast cancer

• Previous biopsy demonstrating abnormalities (i.e., atypical epithelial hyperplasia, but not benign findings such as fibroadenoma

WOMEN AT HIGH RISK
(annual mammography starting at age 30)

• First degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with bilateral premenopausal breast cancer

• Genetic transmission of altered genes. Less than 5% of breast cancers can be linked to this genetic origin

• Personal history of breast cancer