Anything that increases the risk of getting an illness such as cancer will be defined as its risk factor. Particular elements such as exposure to strong sunlight can be a risk factor for developing skin cancer. The chances of getting breast cancer are high in women. There are some particular risk factors that make this illness unavoidable in women. Obviously, having such a risk does not guarantee that a person will develop the disease.
It should be emphasized that any untypical secretion of liquid from the breast or any lump may be a symptom of breast cancer. A medical history of diseases such as labular carcinoma or ductal carcinoma is a risk factor for getting breast cancer. Other risk factors include: menopause, diet rich in fat, environmental exposures and use of contraceptive pills.
RISK OF BREAST CANCER IN FEMALES
If a woman has a risk factor, even a serious one, it does not mean that she will develop breast cancer. The majority of the females who have one or more risk factors do not actually get the breast cancer, while some females may develop breast cancer without any apparent reason other than the factor of age.
There are particular factors that determine the development of the disease in women. It can be both age factor and environmental agents such as alcohol use or smoking.
GENDER FACTOR
The fact of being a female is a huge risk for getting breast cancer. Female breast cells are continuously exposed to the growth promoting effects of progesterone and estrogen and thus make females more vulnerable to the disease.
AGE FACTOR
Most women get breast cancer when they are older. It usually occurs after the age of 40 and 50. It is rare among women under the age of 30.
FAMILY HISTORY AND GENETIC FACTORS
Breast cancer can also be hereditary. In people with background of the disease, a through check up should be conducted after every 6 moths or more. It may also result from gene changes. If a person inherits a mutated genem, it may pose a cancer risk.
PREVIOUS ABNORMAL BREAST BIOPSY
Females who had some problems with their health, especially breast problems are more prone to develop breast cancer. Such abnormalities have to be checked systematically in order to avoid or prevent future problems.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Long-term HRT (hormone replacement therapy) after menopause, especially progesterone or estrogen combined together can be a risk factor for developing breast cancer. They may be severe and fatal.
USE OF CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS
It is believed that contraceptive pills may result in breast cancer, and users of contraceptives are at higher risk of developing breast cancer than females who never use the pills. What is more, it has been found that childless females or females who had their first baby after 30 are at risk of contracting breast cancer.
Risks factors in females are numerous and can vary in different cases. However, early consultation and appropriate care help avoid or control the disease.
