risk factors for breast cancer
Posted by on Thursday, 13th May 2010
What causes breast cancer?
It is not clear exactly what causes breast cancer , but many factors can slightly increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
!. The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
2,. Family history of breast cancer. About 5-10% of all breast cancers are thought to be caused by inherited cancer genes. Two breast cancer genes have been identified (BRCA 1 and BRCA 2) and others may be found in the near future. You should see a breast doctor if there are
a. Three close blood relatives from the same side of the family who developed breast cancer at any age,
b. Two close relatives from the same side of the family who developed breast cancer under the age of 60
c. One close relative who developed breast cancer under the age of 40
d. History of male breast cancer in the near family
e. History of cancer in both the breasts .
3. Having had breast cancer on one side increases the risk of developing the cancer on the other side slightly.
4. Having been diagnosed certain type of benign breast disease like atypical ductal hyperplasia or papillomatosis slightly increases the risk of breast cancer.
5. Women who did not have children and who did not breast feed are slightly more at risk.
6. Women who start their period early (before 10 yrs of age) and women who reach menopause (after 50 yrs) are slightly more at risk of breast cancer.
7.Being overweight , particularly after reaching menopause, slightly increases risk of breast cancer.
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problems with mammogram
Posted by on Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Problems with breast screening
• Breast screening does not prevent cancer. It only detects it early.
• Many women find mammograms uncomfortable or painful, but this is normally just for a short time.
• Having mammograms involves radiation. Mammograms done with current good machines, only give a very low amount of radiation. The radiation dose given by breast screening x rays is continually monitored to make sure that it remains as low as possible, while still providing a good quality image.
• Mammograms require special machines , films and skills in reading and reporting the x rays. Unfortunately, these facilities are not available with a uniform standard in our country. Poor quality mammograms, and lack of specialist skills can miss cancer and give a false sense of reassurance.
• Sometimes mammograms will show an abnormal area which will need further tests but often further tests show that the abnormality is not a cancer and this can be very worrying.
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What is a mammogram ?
Posted by on Tuesday, 11th May 2010
X-ray of the breast is called a mammogram. This is usally done in women over 40 to screen for any abnormalities in the breasts. Not all abnormalities are cancerous. However if there are any suspicious lesions are seen on a mammogram by a specialist, further tests such as a biopsy needs to be done.
It is important that the mammogram is done technically well and should be interpreted by a specialist. Mammograms are better done after the periods as the breasts are less tender and talcum powder should be avoided on the day of test.
The modern full field digital mammograms offer several advantages over the conventional film based ones.
If you are over forty please get a mammogram done. You will lose nothing and as the saying goes ' early detection of anything ominous will save your life'
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