Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is the second leading cause of cancer death in women of all ages. Today men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer.

While the majority of women who develop breast cancer have no special risk factors, some of the known factors include; being a female, increasing age, family history of breast cancer in a mother or sister, early start of menstruation ( before age 12), last onset of menopause ( after age 55), pregnancy and childbirth after age 30 or not at all, and drinking 2-3 drinks of alcohol a day. In people with a strong family history of breast cancer, researchers have found that it may be due to genetic mutations in two genes-BRCA1 an BRCA2.

Other factors may be associated with increased breast cancer are hormone replacement and being overweight after menopause. Factors may also be associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer include breastfeeding, regular exercise and maintaining ideal body weight.

Since there are only a few prevention practices to decrease a woman's risk of breast cancer, most efforts today are aimed at screening women for early detection. The most effective screening test is a mammogram. Mammograms are recommended for all women ages 50 to 69 every one to two years.

For women ages 70 and older, there is insufficient evidence to recommend screening for all elderly women. Women in this age group should discuss with their health care provider the risk and benefits for women their age.

Learn more about this author, Louise Tucker.
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