Risk
Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. Although the exact causes are unknown, there are known risk factors that can influence the development of breast cancer.
The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is one in nine by the age of 85 and one risk factor is increasing age; 80 per cent of all breast cancer occurs in women over the age of 50. The older the woman, the higher the risk.
Because we are all different, any of the known associated risk factors will not affect us all in the same way. Identifying the cause of breast cancer to one specific risk factor is not possible for most people, unless they have been shown to have an increased risk factor, for example, such as carrying one of the BRCA genes.
What is risk?
Risk measures the chance of something happening. There are a number of ways in which risk is represented. Risk is commonly communicated, by healthcare professionals and the mass media, in two ways - relative risk and absolute risk.
* Relative risk: the likelihood of something happening to people exposed to a particular risk, compared to those not exposed to that risk
* Absolute risk: the chances of something happening to a person over a period of time.
Risk can be reported in many ways, from single word descriptions to lengthy comparative studies. It is important to remember that risk is not always communicated clearly and it can be difficult to figure out what a risk means to a person in real terms.
What does it mean to me?
Risk perceptions can be influenced by our economic, social and cultural factors as well as our own personal experiences. That is, when given information about a risk, we form a value judgement based on many factors, such as our past experiences, what is in the media, combined with information from our family and friends.
We know that breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Many of these factors are out of our control.
Some factors can be influenced by a change in lifestyle choices, for example maintaining a health weight, although this may not stop breast cancer developing. Before you make lifestyle changes, the risk and benefits should be considered clearly, as these changes could affect your quality of life and increase your fear of breast cancer developing.
Preventing breast cancer
With the exact causes of breast cancer unknown, we are not able to prevent breast cancer happening. Some women who have one of the BRCA genes may be offered preventative treatment, such as risk-reducing surgery or drug trials, but these treatments do not completely remove the chances of breast cancer.
How chances are increased
As you read on, you may feel that one or more risk factors apply to you. However, this does not necessarily mean that your chances of developing breast cancer are increased, as the exact causes of breast cancer remain unknown.
Age
The chances of getting breast cancer increase as we get older but it is important to be vigilant whatever age you are; evidence has shown that if breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and the outcome is often better.
However, when it is said that women have a one in nine chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 85, it does not refer to a one in nine chance for younger women, it refers to a lifetime risk. For women in their early 20s, the risk is closer to one in 15,000.
Sex and hormones
Men and women can both get breast cancer, despite more women developing the condition. This is because hormones play a big part in getting and treating breast cancer. For some patients, anti-oestrogen treatments will be used to manage breast cancer.
The length of time that oestrogen circulates the body depends on a number of factors. It is important to remember that we can control only some of these factors.
Factors that can influence Oestrogen levels
* What age your periods start and finish - the longer oestrogen circulates around the body, the higher the risk
* Having children, the age at which you have children and number of children - evidence has shown that the age a woman first becomes pregnant may be important. Having children in your 20s and having more than one child may have a protective effect against breast cancer
* If you breastfeed or not and how long for - statistics show that breastfeeding protects against breast cancer with the length of time you breastfeed effecting the level of protection, but there are some women who don’t breastfeed for personal reasons
* Your body weight after the menopause - in recent years, there has been evidence that increased weight following the menopause is associated with an increased risk. This is because when a woman is postmenopausal, she will still produce oestrogen from the fat cells in her body.
If you are considering a change to your lifestyle, it is important to speak to your GP and weigh up the benefits, versus the risks, in detail.
Other breast problems and breast cancer risk
Nine out of ten women who go to their local breast clinic will be diagnosed with a benign (non-cancerous) breast problem. This does not mean that they are at an increased risk of breast cancer. For a few women diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia, managing this risk would be discussed at that time by a specialist.
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Monday, December 21, 2009
Breast Risk..
Risk
Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. Although the exact causes are unknown, there are known risk factors that can influence the development of breast cancer.
The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is one in nine by the age of 85 and one risk factor is increasing age; 80 per cent of all breast cancer occurs in women over the age of 50. The older the woman, the higher the risk.
Because we are all different, any of the known associated risk factors will not affect us all in the same way. Identifying the cause of breast cancer to one specific risk factor is not possible for most people, unless they have been shown to have an increased risk factor, for example, such as carrying one of the BRCA genes.
What is risk?
Risk measures the chance of something happening. There are a number of ways in which risk is represented. Risk is commonly communicated, by healthcare professionals and the mass media, in two ways - relative risk and absolute risk.
* Relative risk: the likelihood of something happening to people exposed to a particular risk, compared to those not exposed to that risk
* Absolute risk: the chances of something happening to a person over a period of time.
Risk can be reported in many ways, from single word descriptions to lengthy comparative studies. It is important to remember that risk is not always communicated clearly and it can be difficult to figure out what a risk means to a person in real terms.
What does it mean to me?
Risk perceptions can be influenced by our economic, social and cultural factors as well as our own personal experiences. That is, when given information about a risk, we form a value judgement based on many factors, such as our past experiences, what is in the media, combined with information from our family and friends.
We know that breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Many of these factors are out of our control.
Some factors can be influenced by a change in lifestyle choices, for example maintaining a health weight, although this may not stop breast cancer developing. Before you make lifestyle changes, the risk and benefits should be considered clearly, as these changes could affect your quality of life and increase your fear of breast cancer developing.
Preventing breast cancer
With the exact causes of breast cancer unknown, we are not able to prevent breast cancer happening. Some women who have one of the BRCA genes may be offered preventative treatment, such as risk-reducing surgery or drug trials, but these treatments do not completely remove the chances of breast cancer.
How chances are increased
As you read on, you may feel that one or more risk factors apply to you. However, this does not necessarily mean that your chances of developing breast cancer are increased, as the exact causes of breast cancer remain unknown.
Age
The chances of getting breast cancer increase as we get older but it is important to be vigilant whatever age you are; evidence has shown that if breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and the outcome is often better.
However, when it is said that women have a one in nine chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 85, it does not refer to a one in nine chance for younger women, it refers to a lifetime risk. For women in their early 20s, the risk is closer to one in 15,000.
Sex and hormones
Men and women can both get breast cancer, despite more women developing the condition. This is because hormones play a big part in getting and treating breast cancer. For some patients, anti-oestrogen treatments will be used to manage breast cancer.
The length of time that oestrogen circulates the body depends on a number of factors. It is important to remember that we can control only some of these factors.
Factors that can influence Oestrogen levels
* What age your periods start and finish - the longer oestrogen circulates around the body, the higher the risk
* Having children, the age at which you have children and number of children - evidence has shown that the age a woman first becomes pregnant may be important. Having children in your 20s and having more than one child may have a protective effect against breast cancer
* If you breastfeed or not and how long for - statistics show that breastfeeding protects against breast cancer with the length of time you breastfeed effecting the level of protection, but there are some women who don’t breastfeed for personal reasons
* Your body weight after the menopause - in recent years, there has been evidence that increased weight following the menopause is associated with an increased risk. This is because when a woman is postmenopausal, she will still produce oestrogen from the fat cells in her body.
If you are considering a change to your lifestyle, it is important to speak to your GP and weigh up the benefits, versus the risks, in detail.
Other breast problems and breast cancer risk
Nine out of ten women who go to their local breast clinic will be diagnosed with a benign (non-cancerous) breast problem. This does not mean that they are at an increased risk of breast cancer. For a few women diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia, managing this risk would be discussed at that time by a specialist.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. Although the exact causes are unknown, there are known risk factors that can influence the development of breast cancer.
The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is one in nine by the age of 85 and one risk factor is increasing age; 80 per cent of all breast cancer occurs in women over the age of 50. The older the woman, the higher the risk.
Because we are all different, any of the known associated risk factors will not affect us all in the same way. Identifying the cause of breast cancer to one specific risk factor is not possible for most people, unless they have been shown to have an increased risk factor, for example, such as carrying one of the BRCA genes.
What is risk?
Risk measures the chance of something happening. There are a number of ways in which risk is represented. Risk is commonly communicated, by healthcare professionals and the mass media, in two ways - relative risk and absolute risk.
* Relative risk: the likelihood of something happening to people exposed to a particular risk, compared to those not exposed to that risk
* Absolute risk: the chances of something happening to a person over a period of time.
Risk can be reported in many ways, from single word descriptions to lengthy comparative studies. It is important to remember that risk is not always communicated clearly and it can be difficult to figure out what a risk means to a person in real terms.
What does it mean to me?
Risk perceptions can be influenced by our economic, social and cultural factors as well as our own personal experiences. That is, when given information about a risk, we form a value judgement based on many factors, such as our past experiences, what is in the media, combined with information from our family and friends.
We know that breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Many of these factors are out of our control.
Some factors can be influenced by a change in lifestyle choices, for example maintaining a health weight, although this may not stop breast cancer developing. Before you make lifestyle changes, the risk and benefits should be considered clearly, as these changes could affect your quality of life and increase your fear of breast cancer developing.
Preventing breast cancer
With the exact causes of breast cancer unknown, we are not able to prevent breast cancer happening. Some women who have one of the BRCA genes may be offered preventative treatment, such as risk-reducing surgery or drug trials, but these treatments do not completely remove the chances of breast cancer.
How chances are increased
As you read on, you may feel that one or more risk factors apply to you. However, this does not necessarily mean that your chances of developing breast cancer are increased, as the exact causes of breast cancer remain unknown.
Age
The chances of getting breast cancer increase as we get older but it is important to be vigilant whatever age you are; evidence has shown that if breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and the outcome is often better.
However, when it is said that women have a one in nine chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 85, it does not refer to a one in nine chance for younger women, it refers to a lifetime risk. For women in their early 20s, the risk is closer to one in 15,000.
Sex and hormones
Men and women can both get breast cancer, despite more women developing the condition. This is because hormones play a big part in getting and treating breast cancer. For some patients, anti-oestrogen treatments will be used to manage breast cancer.
The length of time that oestrogen circulates the body depends on a number of factors. It is important to remember that we can control only some of these factors.
Factors that can influence Oestrogen levels
* What age your periods start and finish - the longer oestrogen circulates around the body, the higher the risk
* Having children, the age at which you have children and number of children - evidence has shown that the age a woman first becomes pregnant may be important. Having children in your 20s and having more than one child may have a protective effect against breast cancer
* If you breastfeed or not and how long for - statistics show that breastfeeding protects against breast cancer with the length of time you breastfeed effecting the level of protection, but there are some women who don’t breastfeed for personal reasons
* Your body weight after the menopause - in recent years, there has been evidence that increased weight following the menopause is associated with an increased risk. This is because when a woman is postmenopausal, she will still produce oestrogen from the fat cells in her body.
If you are considering a change to your lifestyle, it is important to speak to your GP and weigh up the benefits, versus the risks, in detail.
Other breast problems and breast cancer risk
Nine out of ten women who go to their local breast clinic will be diagnosed with a benign (non-cancerous) breast problem. This does not mean that they are at an increased risk of breast cancer. For a few women diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia, managing this risk would be discussed at that time by a specialist.
Breast Screening
Breast screening
Breast screening (mammography) is an x-ray examination of the breasts. It may help to detect breast cancer before there are any signs or symptoms. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed the more effective treatment may be.
Going for screening
In the UK, women between 50 and 70 (64 in Northern Ireland) are invited for breast screening every three years as part of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP). This age range is due to be extended to 47 to 73 in the near future.
Women under 50 are not invited for routine breast screening. This is because in younger women the density of the breast tissue makes it more difficult to interpret the mammogram (breast x-ray) and detect problems. Also, the incidence of breast cancer is much lower in this age group – 80 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and the risk continues to increase with age.
To be invited for screening you have to be registered with a GP. Your name will be taken from your GP’s list and you’ll be sent an appointment from the screening service to come for a mammogram. This may not happen the year you turn 50 but it will happen by the time you are 53.
If you’re over 70 you won’t be sent an appointment for screening. However, you’re still entitled to breast screening every three years if you ask for it. You can contact your local breast screening unit by calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (or NHS 24 on 08454 242424 in Scotland). Or ask your GP or practice nurse to arrange an appointment for you.
The results of your screening mammogram are sent by post to you and your GP. Some women will be sent a recall letter asking them to come back. It will explain if another mammogram is needed because of technical reasons (if the image is unclear), or if further tests are needed to assess a problem seen on the mammogram. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be breast cancer, but further tests are needed to find out what it is.
Going for breast screening will not prevent breast cancer from occurring. It’s important to continue to be breast aware and report any changes to your GP even if you’ve had a mammogram recently, as breast cancer can develop in between screening mammograms.
Limitations of routine screening
Mammography is the most reliable way of detecting breast cancer early, but like other screening tests it is not perfect. For example, not all breast cancers can be seen on mammogram, some breast cancers are very difficult to see, or very occasionally the doctors reading the mammogram may miss the cancer, no matter how experienced they are.
Concerns about screening
Certain conditions diagnosed through screening may never develop further or may grow so slowly that they would never cause harm during a woman’s life. However, it is currently recommended that they are all treated, because it is not possible to determine how they will develop in the future. Some doctors think that this can result in unnecessary treatment and anxiety.
Breast screening (mammography) is an x-ray examination of the breasts. It may help to detect breast cancer before there are any signs or symptoms. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed the more effective treatment may be.
Going for screening
In the UK, women between 50 and 70 (64 in Northern Ireland) are invited for breast screening every three years as part of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP). This age range is due to be extended to 47 to 73 in the near future.
Women under 50 are not invited for routine breast screening. This is because in younger women the density of the breast tissue makes it more difficult to interpret the mammogram (breast x-ray) and detect problems. Also, the incidence of breast cancer is much lower in this age group – 80 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and the risk continues to increase with age.
To be invited for screening you have to be registered with a GP. Your name will be taken from your GP’s list and you’ll be sent an appointment from the screening service to come for a mammogram. This may not happen the year you turn 50 but it will happen by the time you are 53.
If you’re over 70 you won’t be sent an appointment for screening. However, you’re still entitled to breast screening every three years if you ask for it. You can contact your local breast screening unit by calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (or NHS 24 on 08454 242424 in Scotland). Or ask your GP or practice nurse to arrange an appointment for you.
The results of your screening mammogram are sent by post to you and your GP. Some women will be sent a recall letter asking them to come back. It will explain if another mammogram is needed because of technical reasons (if the image is unclear), or if further tests are needed to assess a problem seen on the mammogram. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be breast cancer, but further tests are needed to find out what it is.
Going for breast screening will not prevent breast cancer from occurring. It’s important to continue to be breast aware and report any changes to your GP even if you’ve had a mammogram recently, as breast cancer can develop in between screening mammograms.
Limitations of routine screening
Mammography is the most reliable way of detecting breast cancer early, but like other screening tests it is not perfect. For example, not all breast cancers can be seen on mammogram, some breast cancers are very difficult to see, or very occasionally the doctors reading the mammogram may miss the cancer, no matter how experienced they are.
Concerns about screening
Certain conditions diagnosed through screening may never develop further or may grow so slowly that they would never cause harm during a woman’s life. However, it is currently recommended that they are all treated, because it is not possible to determine how they will develop in the future. Some doctors think that this can result in unnecessary treatment and anxiety.
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