Breast Cancer Risk Factors Chapel Hill NC

New research shows that breast density is an important factor when determining a postmenopausal woman's risk for breast cancer. According to a report published March 10, 2009 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers were able to more accurately assess a woman's breast cancer risk when the density of her breast tissue was considered along with other risk factors, such as age, race and family history.

Breast density is defined by mayoclinic.com as the ratio of tissue to fat in the breast. Though the connection to density and risk is not clearly defined, studies have shown that dense breasts can make it more difficult to spot tumors in mammograms.

Steven Cummings, M.D. initiated the research project to determine if regular screening for breast cancer is a necessity. Research found that risk assessment models were more accurate when breast density was considered. Furthermore, data showed that regular exercise, weight reduction, a low-fat diet and reduced alcohol consumption may reduce a woman's risk for the disease.

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