Current Breast Cancer Statistics indicate that one in eight women is likely to be afflicted by breast.

Known Risk Factors Associated With Breast Cancer;

A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer doubles every ten years, and is actually quite rare in younger women.  It is not clear exactly what causes breast cancer but it is thought that there are several risk factors, some already well-established and some still being investigated, but it is worth bearing in mind that, even if all of them were relevant to one woman, she still might not get the condition.

Getting older – the incidence of breast cancer increases with age. The risk doubles every 10 years.

Early puberty and late menopause -the risk of getting breast cancer is higher in women who started having their periods very early and starting menopause after the age of 55.

Postponing pregnancy – women who don’t become pregnant by the age of 30 or who never have children are at greater risk of getting breast cancer.

Not  breast  feeding – a woman who breast-fed one or more children has a lower risk than a woman who has never done so.

Overweight – being seriously overweight when you are older (postmenopausal) does increase breast cancer risk. There is also a link between breast cancer and eating a diet that is high in fat.

Drinking alcohol – some studies have shown a link between drinking alcohol and breast cancer, with women who drink a lot having a higher risk than those who either drink no alcohol or drink it in moderation.   

Taking the Pill – there is a very slightly increased risk for women while they are taking oral contraceptives. The risk is short-lived and disappears usually around ten years after stopping the Pill.

Having Hormone Replacement Therapy – whilst slight, the risk of breast cancer is greater the longer you take HRT (i.e. over 5 years). Hormone Replacement Therapy can also cause breast pain and can interfere with the ability of breast screening to detect small cancers.

Family history – up to one in ten women who develop breast cancer have inherited some kind of genetic abnormality which makes them more susceptible to the condition Cancer.

Early detection of breast cancer means a patient  has more treatment choices and a much better chance of recovery! In some cases early detection can increase survival rates by up to 90%.

Regular breast self-exams help you to know how your breasts normally feel and look, so that you can notice any changes.

Step One: The first step is to examine your breasts while standing up. Look at your breasts in front of a mirror.  You should be examining both your breasts for any changes in size and shape; any dimpling, puckering, any changes in skin color or surface. Lower your arms and squeeze each nipple between your fingers and thumb and check for nipple discharge. 

Step Two:  While standing naturally in front of a mirror, feel your breasts using your right hand. Use a firm, smooth touch with the second, third and fourth fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together Press firmly to feel deep tissues and gently to feel tissues under the skin. Ensure you fully examine both breasts and armpit areas.

Step Three:  Next, lie flat on your back with a small pillow or a folded towel under your left shoulder. Raise your left arm over your head. Use the flat portions of the first, second, third, and fourth fingertips of your right hand to examine the left breast. Press firmly to feel deep tissues and more gently to feel tissues under the skin. Also, be sure to check the area between the upper outer breast and your armpit area. Repeat the same procedure for the right breast, using the left hand. 

Any changes ,abnormality or discharge, should  be reported to your physical as soon as possible.

If you face a higher than average risk of getting breast take advantage of screening program, and visit your doctor more often. Share this information with others