Many college-aged students are unaware of the possibility of developing breast cancer as a young adult. Many changes occur in your breasts during your lifetime so it is important to understand which changes are normal and which are not. Also, some of us may be at a higher risk for developing breast cancer. We encourage you to become familiar with your breasts, know what is normal for you, and learn how to spot changes in your breasts.• Many factors are linked to breast cancer risk, such as drinking

alcohol, having a family history of breast cancer, or genetic conditions.

• Having a risk factor—or even several—doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get the disease—it just increases your chances.

• Understanding which factors may affect your risk can help you and your health care provider develop a breast health plan that is right for you.

Who gets breast cancer?

Anyone can get breast cancer. For example, did you know…

• The older a woman is, the more likely she is to get breast cancer.

• Although it is rare, young women in their 20s and 30s can and do get breast cancer.

• White women are more likely to get breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group.

• Men can get breast cancer. 1 in 100 cases of breast cancer will occur in a man.

Increased risk – not due to orientation – but rather increased risk factors, such as:

•Limited routine screening due to possible healthcare barriers/stigma

•Less likely to have children – therefore less preventative/routine women’s health screenings

•Breastfeeding reduces risk of breast cancer –therefore not having children/not breastfeeding could increase risk

Can I prevent breast cancer?Because no one knows exactly what causes it, there are no SURE

ways to prevent breast cancer. However, the following may help to reduce your risk:

•Maintaining a healthy weight , regular exercise,& a nutritious diet

•Limiting our exposure to estrogen, alcohol, and smoke•Breastfeeding

A Breast Exam can be done by you or your clinician and should start at age 20. Examining your breasts will help you to become familiar with what is

normal for you and learn how to spot changes in your breasts that may need to be reported to a doctor.

http://www.health.umd.edu/clinicalservices/womenshealth/breasthealth

 

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