Are you at a high risk of breast cancer? Examine the probabilities at home
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among people around the world. Breast cancer, particularly, affects mostly females and is the most common type of cancer reported in women. However, understanding the risk factors of the disease, regular checkups, and some tips for the home examination can help reduce the chances of the deadly disease, and help women lead a healthy and happy life.
Experts suggest that people who have risk factors of breast cancer should get themselves screened, and tested every few months to ensure that the disease does not occur in their body. In breast cancer cases, just like any other cancer, the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat it and reduce the threat of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
What are some risk factors for breast cancer?
While anyone can get the disease, some factors can increase the chances of certain people developing such cancers and suffer severe complications due to it. Some of these factors may not be in our control, but others are, and we must take steps to ensure that we reduce such risk by following a healthy lifestyle and suggestions by medical professionals.
- Gender – Women are at a higher risk of breast cancer, as compared to men. While the assumption that only suffer from breast cancer is incorrect, the constantly changing nature of breasts in women puts them at greater risk.
- Age – Age also plays a major role in the risk of breast cancer. The older you get, the more your risk increases.
- History of the disease – History of disease either personally, or of someone in the family increases a person's chances of breast cancer.
- Lifestyle – Lifestyle choices such as the diet you consume, how much physical activity you get, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress and anxiety, can have a direct adverse impact on your health, increasing your risk of diseases such as breast cancer.
- Hormonal imbalances – Hormonal imbalances, whether natural or induced can lead to a high risk of breast cancer. The female hormone estrogen plays a role in changes in the breasts and if you are overexposed to it, it can lead to the development of cancer.
What are the ways to check for breast cancer risk at home?
Checking for breast cancer risk at home is not very difficult.
- Check the risk factors mentioned above and identify your risk category.
- Check with your medical health professional for how often you should get screened, depending on your risk.
- Check for lumps in your breasts regularly, at least twice a month. Report to your doctor immediately if you suspect or feel any lumps in your breasts.
- Lead a healthy life with a healthy diet, exercise, and avoid smoking and drinking.