Breast Cancer - Know The Risk Factors

Breast Cancer cases are on the rise worldwide. We should be wary of the disease at all times but October is the month dedicated to Breast Cancer awareness. Two years back I lost a workmate to Breast Cancer and I got to see first hand the ravaging effects of the disease. This article is part to do my bit in raising awareness and part in her memory.

For breast cancer, early detection is key. 97% of women diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer have a chance of being cured. So ladies do the monthly breast examinations without fail. Take the girls for a thorough check up preferably every year. You never know when it could save your life. Men are not absolutely immune from Breast Cancer either although they’re much less likely to get it. For every 100 cases of breast cancer, less than one is in men.

There are things you can do to protect your self from Breast and indeed other cancers and diseases. But in some cases there’s just nothing much you can do. Know the risk factors and do your best. And some of the risk factors are:-

• Having breasts

• A sedentary lifestyle

• High alcohol consumption

• Being obese

• High dietary fat intake

• Smoking

• Having your first pregnancy after age 30

• Aging – Risk increases with age.

• Having had breast cancer before

• Having your first period before the age of 12

• Not having children

• Having the Breast Cancer gene in the family

• Chemicals in the environment

• Previous chest radiation

• Antiperspirant use – it has often been claimed that chemicals found in antiperspirants interfere with the lymphatic system, resulting in build up of toxins in the breast. However there little laboratory evidence to support this claim.

All the best ladies and gentlemen.

See also: Are We Eating Healthier Or Weirder