It's too early to know for sure if these things affect breast cancer risk. Hormone or estrogen replacement therapy can help prevent heart disease and osteoporosis after menopause. Experts generally agree that these benefits far outweigh any possible risk of breast cancer, except in women already treated for breast cancer. Ask your health-care provider for details. Any woman can develop breast cancer.
Some women have special risks.
In fact, most women who have developed the disease had no identified risk factors. Having risk factors doesn't mean you will be breast cancer. But, be aware of your possibly higher risk, an follow your health-care provider's advice. Your health team will explain and demonstrate BSE technique. After a few monthly exams, you will become familiar with your own normal breast structure and confident in your ability to recognize potentially troublesome changes.