A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer doubles every ten years, and is actually quite rare in younger women. Despite its relative rarity in younger women, it is the most common cause of death in women between the ages of 35 and 50, although it’s true that many women, including women under the age of 50, are successfully diagnosed and treated.

 It is not clear exactly what causes breast cancer but it is thought that there are several risk factors, some already well-established and some still being investigated, but it is worth bearing in mind that, even if all of them were relevant to one woman, she still might not get the condition.

The Risk Factors Are:

Getting older – the incidence of breast cancer increases with age. The risk doubles every 10 years.

Early puberty and late menopause -the risk of getting breast cancer is higher in women who started having their periods very early and starting menopause after the age of 55.

Postponing pregnancy – women who don’t become pregnant by the age of 30 or who never have children are at greater risk of getting breast cancer.

Not breast feeding – a woman who breast-fed one or more children has a lower risk than a woman who has never done so.

Overweight – being seriously overweight when you are older (postmenopausal) does increase breast cancer risk. There is also a link between breast cancer and eating a diet that is high in fat.

Drinking alcohol – some studies have shown a link between drinking alcohol and breast cancer, with women who drink a lot having a higher risk than those who either drink no alcohol or drink it in moderation.

Taking the Pill – there is a very slightly increased risk for women while they are taking oral contraceptives. The risk is short-lived and disappears usually around ten years after stopping the Pill.

Having Hormone Replacement Therapy – whilst slight, the risk of breast cancer is greater the longer you take HRT (i.e. over 5 years). Hormone Replacement Therapy can also cause breast pain and can interfere with the ability of breast screening to detect small cancers.

Family history – up to one in ten women who develop breast cancer have inherited some kind of genetic abnormality which makes them more susceptible to the condition.

If you face a higher than average risk of getting breast cancer,

• examine your breasts regularly using the Breast Sense™ glove,
• take advantage of screening programmes,
• visit your doctor more often.