Breast Cancer - Risk Factors In Females

Anything that increases the chances of one getting a disease such as cancer will be termed as its risk factor. Certain elements such as strong sunlight exposure can be a risk factor for skin cancer. In females, the chances of breast cancer are high. There are certain risk factors that make this disease unavoidable in females. Having a risk does not guarantee that one will get the disease.

Any lump in the breast or any unusual secretion of liquid from the breast may be an indication of breast cancer. A medical history of ductal carcinoma or labular carcinoma is a risk factor for breast cancer. There may be a number of reasons that become a risk factor for breast cancer such as menopause, high fat diet, and use of birth control pills or environmental exposures.

Breast Cancer Risk In Females

Having a risk factor, even a severe one does not necessarily mean that it will lead to breast cancer. Most of the women who possess one or more breast cancer risk do not actually develop the disease, while some women may have breast cancer without any apparent cause other than age factor.

There are certain factors that determine the development of breast cancer in females. It can be age factor as well as cancer causing agents present in the environment or personal reasons such as smoking or use of alcohol.

Gender

Being a woman is a big risk for getting breast cancer. The breast cells of women are constantly exposed to the growth promoting effects of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone and thus make women more vulnerable to cancer.

Age

Most women develop breast cancer in their later years. Most women get it after the age of 40 and 50. It is uncommon among women younger than 30 years of age.

Genetic Factors And Family History

Breast cancer can be developed, also it can be hereditary. In patients with strong background with the disease, a through check up is recommended after every 6 moths or more. It may also be result of gene changes, which if inherited in a mutated form may pose a risk for cancer.

Previous Abnormal Breast Biopsy

Women who had some problems regarding their health or breast problems are more at the risk of developing breast cancer. Such abnormalities need to be checked regularly for future problems that can result.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Long term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause, especially estrogen or progesterone combined together can be a risk for breast cancer. They may be quiet severe and prove fatal.

Use Of Oral Contraceptives

It has been suggested that contraceptives may lead to breast cancer, and women who use contraceptives are at higher risk of contracting breast cancer than women who never use them. It has also been found that women who have no children or had their first child after 30 years are at risk of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer risks in females are numerous and can be different in different individuals. However, with proper consultation and care, they can be controlled and avoided.