Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have known risk factors. Only about five percent of breast cancers have a gen-etic or hereditary source. Researchers at Arizona State University have compared women's perceptions of their risk level with the risk level that medical professionals would assign. The researchers found that most women were know-ledgeable about the effects of family history and lifestyle. However, they consistently underestimated the rising risk associated with growing older.
All older women are at risk for breast cancer.
Anxieties Misinformation is unfortunate but understandable. Too often, however, women are simply afraid to confront this issue. Some women find the test embarrassing. This doesn't have to be the case, however. Radiology professionals are taught how to reduce physical discomfort, protect privacy, and respect personal modesty.