Breast Cancer 101
A Guide to Breast Cancer by Susan G. Komen
CHAPTER 2
Risk Factors
CHAPTER 2
Risk Factors
Chapter Overview
Risk factors goes over a variety of topics that are linked to breast cancer risk, including family history, genetics, health and medical history, reproductive history and lifestyle.
Risk factors are things that may increase (or in some cases decrease) a person’s chance of developing breast cancer. Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will develop breast cancer. However, learning about breast cancer risk factors can empower you to make important decisions to take charge of your health.
The following topics are discussed in this section:
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Risk Factors Overview
- Description of risk factors
- Most common risk factors for breast cancer
- Risk assessment tools to estimate breast cancer risk
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Family History
- Female family members with a history of cancer
- Male family members with a history of cancer
- Talking with your family and a health care provider
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Genetics & Breast Cancer
- Genes
- Inherited gene mutations related to breast cancer
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Inherited Gene Mutations
- Overview of inherited gene mutations
- Incidence of BRCA mutations
- BRCA mutations in women
- BRCA mutations in men
- BRCA mutations and risk of other cancers
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Genetic Testing and Counseling
- Recommendations for genetic testing
- Consulting a genetic counselor
- Testing process
- Implications of genetic testing
- Support resources
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Genetic Testing: What Else You Should Know
- Insurance coverage
- Panel testing
- Confidentiality of results
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Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing
- Testing process
- Cautions for testing
- Interpreting results
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Understanding Test Results
- Results of genetic tests
- Negative
- Positive
- Variant of uncertain significance (VUS)
- Screening recommendations
- Options for women at high risk
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Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Genetic Testing
- Benefits
- Risks
- Other considerations
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Health and Medical History Risk Factors
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
- Breast density
- Benign breast conditions
- Other medical risk factors
- High birthweight
- Radiation exposure
- High bone density
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
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Reproductive Related Risk Factors
- Menstrual cycle
- Age at first menstrual period
- Age at menopause
- Blood estrogen levels
- Childbirth and breastfeeding
- Birth control and menopausal hormone therapy
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Lifestyle Related Risk Factors
- Body weight
- Dietary factors
- Fruits and vegetables
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Sugar
- Factors under study
- Exercise
- Smoking
- Night shifts and light at night