Anyone Can Get Breast Cancer

This post is just a reminder that anyone, regardless of age or gender, can get breast cancer.  While risk increases with age, more and more younger women are getting breast cancer globally.  It is also possible for men to get breast cancer too.  Those who do not get regularly screened for breast cancer should consider doing the following:

• Familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel.  Perform self-exams to look for any changes such as new lumps, nipple discharge, or changes in skin texture or shape.
• See a doctor if you notice any concerning changes and advocate for yourself if the doctor won't order a mammogram because you are too young.  Seek a second opinion if necessary.
• Be aware of breast cancer risk factors:
• Increases with age
• Family history
• Dense breast tissue (harder to see on mammograms)
• Early menstruation (<12) and late menopause (55+)
• Having certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Physical inactivity and obesity
• Alcohol consumption and smoking
• Using HRT after menopause
• Exposure to radiation and chemicals
• Having no children or children later in life 

Having risk factors does not mean you will get cancer though, and conversely, having no risk factors does not mean you will not get cancer. The exact cause of breast cancer is not known.  Anyone can get breast cancer.