Monday, March 30, 2009

UNDERSTANDING YOUR RISK FOR GETTING BREAST CANCER

Your risk increases after the age of 35.

A family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer (in males) increases your risk. Having one immediate family member with breast cancer can double a woman's chance of developing the disease.

Radiation exposure as a child (such as treatment for Hodgkins disease) may increase your risk from three and seven times.

Lack of exercise, smoking and obesity also places you at greater risk.

A high-fat diet and women who drink more than four cups of coffee a day may have an increased risk.

Prevention is better than cure - regular monthly self-breast examinations are key to finding any changes such as lumpsor swelling. Report any suspicious changes to your medical practitioner.

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