Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risks

Your Role in Breast Cancer Prevention

For all forms of cancer, early prevention is critical. However, to thoroughly spot the signs and get proper treatment, you must first understand your risk factors. Though some of these things can’t fully be controlled, there are several lifestyles and wellness changes you can make to ensure that you're doing your part in cancer prevention.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to shed some light on what everyone should know about their breast cancer risk factors:

Family History Plays a Role in Breast Cancer Risks

Though everyone is at risk for breast cancer, when a woman’s mother, sister, daughter or multiple family members have had breast cancer, their risk of developing it themselves increases.

Your Risk Increases With Age

The older you get, the higher your risk of breast cancer is. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.

Other Uncontrollable Risk Factors

There are several things you can do to help lower your chance of breast cancer, but unfortunately, certain factors, such as having dense breasts, genetic mutations, and your age, can increase your risk and cannot be controlled.

However, you can take control by talking to your doctor about ways to lower your risk and the proper breast cancer screenings for you.

There Are Controllable Risk Factors

There are a few lifestyle changes you can make to lower breast cancer risks, such as maintaining a healthy weight and living an active lifestyle. The CDC states that women who are not physically active or are overweight or obese after menopause will have a higher risk of getting cancer than those who are active and of a healthy weight.

By focusing on increasing your daily activity and maintaining a healthy diet, you can do your part to decrease your risk of cancer.

Wellness and Imaging Services in Jackson, WY

At St. John’s we are committed to fighting breast cancer and have designed the Women’s Imaging Center so patients can receive effective treatment, in a comfortable setting. We are also passionate about prevention and offer a variety of wellness services in Teton County, so you can work towards optimal health.