Cancer Risk
Breast Cancer
What to watch for:
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A lump that is painless, hard and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancer. Some rare cancers are tender, soft and rounded. It is important to have anything unusual checked by your doctor.
Other signs of breast cancer include:
A swelling of part of the breast
Skin irritation or dimpling
Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
A nipple discharge other than breast milk
A lump in the underarm area
Gender: Being a woman is the main risk factor for breast cancer.
Age: The risk of getting breast cancer increases with age.
Genetic risk factors: About one case of breast cancer in ten is linked to mutations in genes.
Family history: Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease. Having a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer almost doubles a
womans risk.
Race: White women are slightly more likely to get breast cancer. However, African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer.
Menstrual periods: Women who began having periods early (before 12 years of age) or who went through menopause after the age of 50, have a slight increased risk of breast cancer. Women who have not had children, or who had their first child after they were 30 years old, are at an increased risk.
Use of alcohol: Women who have one drink a day have a slight increased risk. Those who have two to five drinks daily have a one and 1/2 times the risk of women who drink no alcohol.
Diet: Being overweight can be a risk factor. Especially if the weight gain took place during adulthood and if the menopause stage has past.