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But some women have a higher risk of contracting breast cancer than others, and thats why its important for all women to assess their individual risks.
There is no single cause of breast cancer, but some factors seem to increase the risk of developing it.
The risk is increased the older you are, if you had your first child after the age of 30 (or no children at all) and if you have a family history of breast cancer, especially a mother, sister or daughter. Other minor, suggested risk factorssome of which have not been fully documented or studiedinclude previous breast disorders, early first menstruation, dense breast tissue, use of combination birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (with both estrogen and progestin), a diet high in fat and alcohol and not breastfeeding or exercising.
If youre a woman who has assessed a higher personal risk of developing breast cancer, you need to know what to watch for; the first signs and symptoms of the disease.
Lighting the Way to Fight Breast Cancer
(ARA) - Being a woman and getting older are the main risk factors for breast cancer. This year, more than 200,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and nearly 40,000 women will lose their lives to the disease. Although you cannot control your sex or age, there are other factors related to personal, everyday choices that can be controlled, and may help reduce your risk for breast cancer.
Control Your Risk Factors
The risk factors you can control that may decrease your risk of getting breast cancer include: not having more than one drink of alcohol per day; n ..
The first sign of breast cancer is normally a lump, a spot or other abnormality on the breast, usually felt by you first or seen on a mammogram (an x-ray of the breast) before you can even feel it. The lump is also constantly present, may feel hard, tender and unusual and like its attached to your skin.
Additional signs and symptoms of early breast cancer include other lumps, spots or abnormalities of the breast or nipple, such as a lump in the armpit, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge or eczema-type symptoms on the nipple, and irregular changes in the size, shape and skin of the breast.
Early detection is key. One way to help out with early detection is to learn how to do a breast self-examinationand to do them regularly. Breast self-exams basically allow you to get to know your particular breasts and how they look and feel normally, so you are better prepared to detect any unusual changes.
Gift Giving for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families
Did you know that each year, 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die? One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year.
The above statistics are scary to say the least. If you have loved ones or friends that have been diagnosed with breast cancer, I am sure you ve often wondered what, if anything, you can do to help them.
Here are some gifts that are appropriate for cancer patients, and their families to give encouragement, and support.
Probably one of the ..
Mammograms and clinical breast examinations, which are done by doctors, are usually considered more reliable than self-exams. Mammograms arent recommended until women are a bit older (into their 40s and 50s, although slightly younger if a womans personal risk factor is higher), but clinical breast exams can, and should, be done sooner and more regularly.
At the first sign of what may appear to be breast cancer, and even if its not, its important for women to talk to their doctor right away. The sooner breast cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated, and the greater chance of survival.
About the Author: Will Hanke runs Breast Cancer First Sign (http://8008135.info" target="_blank"> http://8008135.info) - an informational website for symptoms, causes and cures for breast cancer.
Source: http://www.isnare.com Will HankeBreast Cancer: Know Your Risk Factors, The Signs And Symptoms And What To Do About It
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