Home > Health Guides by Topic > General Health & Development > General Health > Breast Health > Breast Cancer Risks Breast Cancer Risks
 Breast Development |
 |
| What's Normal? |
Buying a Bra |
| Lumps & Bumps |
Measuring for a Bra |
| Self Breast Exam |
Who is at risk for breast cancer?
Women with certain conditions, habits, or traits (referred to as "risk factors") may be more likely than other women to get cancer. However, having risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer. Most women who develop breast cancer have no risk factors at all. But overall, you are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer if you:
How can I lower my risk for breast cancer?
You can lower your risk for breast cancer by not smoking, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, and having regular checkups with your health care provider.
Do I need to have a mammogram?
Teenagers don't need to get mammograms. In fact, it's difficult to get a clear picture with a mammogram because young women have thick breast tissue. A mammogram is an x-ray of your breasts and most women start having mammograms when they are 40 years old. Mammograms are important for older women because they can help find breast cancer early. Some women younger than 40 years old have mammograms if they have a family history of breast cancer or if they have had radiation treatment for cancer.
Learning to care for your breasts when you're a teenager is an
important way to make sure that your whole body stays healthy when
you're older! Although breast cancer is very uncommon in women under
the age of 35, if you become familiar with the normal look and feel
of your breasts now, you will be taking an important step toward
good general health for the future. |
 Previous |
Next: Buying a Bra |
Updated: 6/28/06
Related Information:
|
Looking for other health info? Check our A-to-Z Index. ©1998-2009 Center for Young Women's Health, Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.
About Us Health Guides By Topic
|
Printer Friendly
View Full PDF