22/12/2020
How do I know about my risk of having Breast cancer?
Risk depends upon age,ethnic group(Asian),weight, height, age of 1st period,Age of stopping periods(if already menopause),age when 1st child was born,1 or more children.
Please see your doctor if more than 5 are yes.
1.Alcohol intake daily
2.Smoking
3.Breast cancer in family(mother,daughter,sister,aunt_mother or father's sister) esp. If less than 50 yes.age
5.You had uterine cancer
6.You had ovarian cancer
7.Do you have gene mutation linked to breast cancer.
8.Dense breasts on Mammogram/Taking COCs pills
9.You had radiation therapy to chest
10.History of intake of DES drug by your mother when pregnant.
If more than 45 yes and any risk factor,should consult your doctor
Some risk factors like age,family history and no full term preg cannot be changed.
But you can change others weight, smokingand alcohol.
Avoid hormones after menopause or restrict to lower doses /short periods.
Healthy diet and regular exercise
Having risk factor does not mean that you will develop Breast cancer.But having risk factors is a good reason to discuss with your doctor and schedule regular screening mammograms.
Screening advice for women at average risk
1.All women should know the benefits,/limits/potential harms of Breast Cancer Screening.
2.Should know about their breasts normal look and feel and report any changes.
3. 40_44 yrs=choice to start mammogram annually
45_54 yrs =mammogram yearly
More than 55 yes.=mammogram once every 2 years/continue yearly screening
Screening should continue as long as women are in good health or expected to live at least 10 more years