What Are the Risk Factors
S YMP TOM S what is breast
for Breast Cancer?
The first symptoms of breast cancer are usually
Getting older.
 The risk for breast cancer increases with age; most breast
cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
Genetics
If a close relative has or has had, breast cancer, the
risk is higher. Women who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2
genes have a higher risk of developing breast
cancer, ovarian cancer or both. These genes can be
inherited.
Family history of breast
cancer
A woman’s risk for breast cancer is higher if she
has a mother, sister, or daughter (first-degree
relative) or multiple family members on either
her mother’s or father’s side of the family who
have had breast cancer.
Drinking alcohol
A higher rate of regular alcohol consumption appears to
play a role. Studies have shown that women who consume
more than 3 drinks a day have a 1.5 times higher risk.
Obesity.
Older women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk
of getting breast cancer than those at a normal weight.
an area of thickened tissue in the breast, or a
lump in the breast or in an armpit
Other symptoms include:
A pain in the armpits or breast that does
not change with the monthly cycle.
Breast pain can be a symptom of cancer.
Pitting or redness of the skin of the
breast, like the skin of an orange.
Nipple discharge other than breast milk,
including blood.
cancer?
BREAST CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON
CANCER AMONG WOMEN,
IT IS A DISEASE IN WHICH CELLS IN THE
BREAST GROW OUT OF CONTROL. BREAST
CANCER CAN BEGIN IN DIFFERENT PARTS
OF THE BREAST AND MOST BREAST
CANCERS BEGIN IN THE DUCTS OR
LOBULES, IT CAN SPREAD OUTSIDE THE
BREAST THROUGH BLOOD VESSELS AND
LYMPH VESSELS. WHEN BREAST CANCER
SPREADS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY, IT
IS SAID TO HAVE METASTASIZED.
KINDS OF BREAST
CANCER
Invasive ductal carcinoma.
 The cancer cells grow outside the ducts
into other parts of the breast tissue.
Invasive lobular carcinoma
Cancer cells spread from the lobules to
the breast tissues that are close by
 PREVENTION
Making changes in your daily life may help
reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Try to:
Ask your doctor about breast

cancer screening.

To discuss with your doctor when to begin breast

cancer screening exams and tests, such as clinical
breast exams and mammograms.
BIG OR SMALL, Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks
heart of screening. Together, you can decide what
LET’S SAVE THEM breast cancer screening strategies are right for
you.
ALL Become familiar with your

breasts through breast self -

D O N ’ T L E T B R E A S T C A N C E R S T E AL
S E C O N D B A S E. exam for breast awareness

You may choose to become familiar with their

breasts by occasionally inspecting their breasts
JEMIMAH A MEJIA during a breast self-exam for breast
BLOCK-H awareness. If there is a new change, lumps or
other unusual signs in your breasts, talk to your
doctor promptly.
Choose a healthy diet

Women who eat a Mediterranean diet

REFERENCES
CDC - What Is Breast Cancer? (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm
Nordqvist, C. (2018, November 13). Breast cancer: Symptoms, causes, and
treatment. Retrieved from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php
Breast cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and
mixed nuts may have a reduced risk of breast
cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses mostly on
plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables,
whole grains, legumes, and nuts. People who
follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy
fats, such as olive oil, over butter and fish instead
of red meat.