I’ve had my ovaries removed, I breast-fed, I don’t drink alcohol --- GOOD. I’ve had chest x-rays, used oral contraceptives, I’m postmenopausal and chubby – BAD. So I guess the answer to my Breast Cancer Risk is the same as the Marriage Compatibility Survey ---- It is good information to have. to think about and to use when a situation can be improved, but I’m not going to spend any time worrying about it. BLOG back and let me know what your thoughts are.

Hormonal Factors                                                                                                                                                                            Hormones produced by the ovaries appear to increase a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. The removal of one or both ovaries reduces the risk. The use of drugs that suppress the production of estrogen may inhibit tumor cell growth. The use of estrogen-progestin therapy, also called combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The use of oral contraceptives may also be associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk.

Menstruation                                                                                                                                                                                          Beginning to menstruate at an older age and having a full-term pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk. Also, a woman who has her first child before the age of 20 experiences a greater decrease in breast cancer risk than a woman who has never had children or who has her first child after the age of 35. Beginning menopause at a later age increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

Radiation                                                                                                                                                                                                     Studies have shown that reducing the number of chest x-rays, especially at a young age, decreases the risk of breast cancer. Radiation treatment for childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma may put women at a greater risk for breast cancer later in life. A small number of breast cancer cases can be linked to radiation exposure.

Diet and Lifestyle                                                                                                                                                                                             Diet is being studied as a risk factor for breast cancer. Studies show that in populations that consume a high-fat diet, women are more likely to die of breast cancer than women in populations that consume a low-fat diet. It is not known if a diet low in fat will prevent breast cancer. Eating a diet rich in beta-carotene may decrease the risk of breast cancer. Exercise, especially in young women, may decrease hormone levels and contribute to a decreased breast cancer risk. Breast feeding may also decrease a woman's risk of breast cancer. Postmenopausal weight gain, especially after natural menopause and/or after age 60, may increase breast cancer risk.

 Drinking alcohol may be linked to increased breast cancer risk.  The more alcohol a woman drinks, the more the risk of breast cancer may increase, compared to a woman who drinks no alcohol.  In addition, a diet rich in beta-carotene, folate, and vitamins A and C may reverse the hifgher risk of breast cancer linked to alcohol use.