Breast Cancer Awareness Month <br>81st MDG hughlights risk factors Published Oct. 26, 2011 By Maj. Don Smith 81st Medical Group KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. Unfortunately, the exact causes of breast cancer are not known but research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease. A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease. Risk factors for breast cancer include: Age -- The chance of developing breast cancer increases as a woman ages. Most cases of breast cancer occur in women over 60 -- it's not common before menopause. Family history -- A woman's risk of breast cancer is higher if her mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer, especially if that breast cancer occurred before age 40. Having other relatives with breast cancer, in her mother's or father's family, may also increase a woman's risk. Reproductive and menstrual history -- The older a woman is when she has her first child, the greater her chance of developing breast cancer. Also, women who had their first menstrual period before age 12 are at an increased risk of breast cancer as are women who went through menopause after age 55. Women who have never had children are also at an increased risk of breast cancer. Hormone therapy -- Women who take menopausal hormone therapy with estrogen plus progestin after menopause may have an increased risk of breast cancer. Race -- Breast cancer is diagnosed more often in Caucasian women than Latino, Asian, or African-American women. Radiation therapy to the chest -- Women who had radiation therapy to the chest before age 30 are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This includes women treated with radiation for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Studies show that the younger a woman was when she received radiation treatment, the higher her risk of breast cancer later in life. Being overweight or obese after menopause -- The chance of getting breast cancer after menopause is higher in women who are overweight or obese. Lack of physical activity -- Women who are physically inactive throughout life may have an increased risk of breast cancer. Being active may help reduce risk by preventing weight gain and obesity. Drinking alcohol -- Studies suggest that the more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her risk of breast cancer. Keep in mind that most women who have known risk factors never develop breast cancer. Also, most women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. In fact, except for growing older, most women with breast cancer have no obvious risk factors. Mammography One of the most frequently used methods to diagnose breast diseases is a mammogram. There are two types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Mammograms make it possible to detect many abnormalities or tumors that are too small to be detected during a breast exam. Women who have a questionable screening mammogram or if a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found, the provider may request a diagnostic mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram also may be used to view breast tissue in special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants. A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more X-rays to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the provider make an accurate diagnosis. The American Cancer Society recommends 40 as the age to begin mammograms, but if women (or men) think they may be at risk, they should discuss this concern with their provider. The Keesler Hospital offers its beneficiaries screening mammograms making an appointment with their health care providers. To schedule a mammogram, call 376-5211 or 4732, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.