Breast Cancer Risk

By Melissa Bosslet, RD, LN

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are roughly seven factors that put certain females at a greater risk for breast cancer. Their website also has a calculator to help determine your individual risk factor.

1. Personal history of breast abnormalities
2. Over 50 years of age
3. Age of first menstrual period
4. Age at first live birth
5. Family history
6. Breast biopsies - Women who have had to have biopsies in the past for some breast abnormality
7. Race - Caucasian women have a greater risk of breast cancer

The Women's Health Initiative tested estrogen and progesterone pills that were supposed to prevent heart and bone disease and other menopausal conditions. This study was halted back in 1992 when a trend towards incidence of breast cancer was discovered. Retrospectively, researchers noticed that longer term hormone users had twice the risk of developing breast cancer. Research is also being conducted about the effect of dietary soy, phytoestrogen levels, and breast cancer. For the purpose of prevention, we recommend that our female clients minimize the use of soy, especially in the more processed forms, i.e. soy protein isolates.