What puts women at risk for breast cancer?
Keep in mind that 70% of women with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors, other than being female. Family History Women whose mothers, grandmothers or sisters have had breast cancer are two to three times more likely to develop breast cancer. However, 85% of women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. First childbirth The risks are higher among women who have never had (and breastfed) a baby or whose first childbirth occurred after the age of thirty. Menstrual history Early first period (before age 11) and late menopause (after age 52) both increase risk. Diet High-fat, low-fiber diet increases risk. Risk also increases with higher weight. Age Risk increases with age. This disease is rare in women under the age of thirty. Women over fifty make up 77% of breast cancer cases. Alcohol Women who consume two to five alcoholic drinks a day have a higher risk of breast cancer than do non-drinkers. Genetic Alterations Specific alterations in certain genes, such a
