Women’s Health – Breast Cancer
According to recent research, approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at some time in their lives. Keep reading to learn more about risk factors associated with breast cancer, as well as how to identify and treat this disease.
Risk Factors
Medical experts attribute the development of breast cancer to a combination of both unknown and known risk factors. Some risk factors are unavoidable, while others can be prevented through lifestyle changes. The most common risk factors for breast cancer include:
- Being a woman over the age of 50
- Having a family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, or certain non-cancerous breast diseases
- Starting menstruation under the age of 12
- Being overweight or inactive
- Smoking or drinking excess alcohol
Detecting Breast Cancer
To detect breast cancer, physicians may use the following tests:
- Mammogram—This is a breast X-ray. Women over age 50 should get a mammogram annually.
- Biopsy—This entails the removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope.
- Estrogen and progesterone receptor tests—These tests are used to determine hormone levels.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—An MRI procedure uses a magnet, radio waves and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of inside the body.
Treatment Options
The chance of recovery and the treatment options for breast cancer depend on many factors—including the stage of cancer, how fast the tumor is growing, hormone receptor levels and the woman’s age. Four common forms of treatment used for breast cancer are:
- Surgery (ranging from a small lump of tissue being removed to an entire breast)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
Know the Signs
It’s critical to assess your body regularly for potential signs of breast cancer. Common symptoms include a lump in the breast or underarm area, nipple pain or abnormalities, redness or scaly skin near the breast and discharge coming from the nipple. If you detect any of these signs, consult your doctor immediately.
This flyer is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. © 2007-2011, 2013, 2016, 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Group Health Premiums on the Rise: What Employers Need to Know
In 2025, rising group health premiums are becoming a central concern for employers. Carriers like UnitedHealth, Anthem, and CVS Health have issued projections showing significant cost increases—driven by escalating claims severity, specialty drug costs, and continued labor shortages across provider networks.
SECURE 2.0 Implementation: A New Era in Retirement Planning
The SECURE 2.0 Act, passed in late 2022 and now in active rollout through 2025, is reshaping the landscape of workplace retirement planning. Designed to expand access, modernize plan design, and improve financial preparedness, the law introduces over 90 new provisions—many of which are now surfacing in HR departments across the country.
Visitor Check-In and Access Control Best Practices
Visitor check-in and access control best practices are essential for ensuring campus safety. With increasing security concerns in schools, implementing visitor check-in and access control best practices helps minimize unauthorized access, protect students and staff, and ensure a safe learning environment.