Are You At Risk? (4pg)

Are You At Risk?

There are some risk factors for breast cancer over which you have no control. These include:

Getting Older: 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 and older.

Family History: Gene defects inherited from parents are thought to be responsible for 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases.

Personal History: Women who have had breast cancer are three to four times more likely to have a new cancer in the other breast or a different part of the same breast.

Race: Caucasian women are more likely to have breast cancer than African-American women.

Fortunately, you can control these risk factors: Use of alcohol: Women who have 2 to 5 drinks per day are 11⁄2 times more likely to have breast cancer.

Being overweight or obese: Increases the risk, especially after menopause. Lack of regular exercise: 45 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity at least five times a week is recommended.

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