One in nine women living in North America will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, second only to lung cancer. Risk factors for breast cancer include early age at first menses, late age at first childbirth, and late age at menopause. Other risk factors include alcohol intake, radiation exposure and possibly fat intake. Exogenous hormones such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy cause little if any effect on breast cancer risk.
Prevention is the best medicine.
Current recommendations include a yearly exam by your health care provider, and monthly breast self-exam. This is best done the week after your menses. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms beginning at age 40. Consult with your health care provider if you have any of the above risk factors or need instruction on breast self-exam. Any new breast lump should also be evaluated by your health care provider.