Breast cancer

What should people know about breast cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in New York State.
Each year, about 13,900 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 2,900 women die from the disease in New York State. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime during her life.
Men also get breast cancer, but it is very rare. About 150 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in New York State.

Who gets breast cancer?

Breast cancer is more common among older women. The risk for getting breast cancer increases with age. More than three-quarters of women who get breast cancer are over the age of fifty. White women are more likely to get breast cancer than Black women. Also, women with high socioeconomic status (those whose family income is above average) are more likely to get breast cancer. Scientists believe this may be related to having their first child at an older age, fewer pregnancies, diet and possibly other factors shared by women in higher income groups.

What causes breast cancer?

At this time, scientists do not know exactly what causes breast cancer. We do know that certain personal characteristics increase a woman's chance of developing breast cancer. These risk factors include:

• increasing age – as women get older their risk of developing breast cancer increases.
• family history of breast cancer – women whose relatives have had breast cancer (especially at an early age) are more likely to get breast cancer.
• breast cancer genes – about 5% to 10% of breast cancers are believed to be inherited.
• personal history of breast cancer – a woman who has had cancer in one breast is more likely to develop it in the other breast or in remaining breast tissue.
• history of benign breast disease – women who have a history of certain types of non-cancerous tumors and cysts in their breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer.
• hormonal factors – women who start their periods at a young age, start menopause at a late age, have their first child later in life, and have no full-term pregnancies may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Studies also show that exposure to high doses of x-rays increases a woman's risk of getting breast cancer. Although scientists are not sure, other studies indicate that taking birth control pills, exposure to certain chemicals in the environment, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy, use of alcoholic beverages, obesity and lack of physical activity may be associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Research has also shown that use of underarm deodorant or antiperspirants, underwire bras, induced abortions and silicone breast implants do not increase the risk of getting breast cancer.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting breast cancer?

Most women who develop breast cancer have no risk factors. Among women with average risk, breast cancer cannot be prevented. Mammograms, breast self-examination, and examination of your breasts by your health care provider increase the chances that breast cancer will be diagnosed early. Among women who have higher than average risk, certain drugs may be useful in preventing breast cancer. All women should discuss their risk and screening or prevention options with their health care provider.


http://www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/cancer/registry/abouts/breast.htm