October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and health insurers across the nation are working to get the word out on breast cancer education. BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma, which provides health insurance in Oklahoma, has put together a convenient checklist of risk factors every woman should be aware of when learning about breast cancer.
According to the BCBSOK website, studies from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society have found certain characteristics that make a woman more likely to develop breast cancer. These factors are as follows:
- Caucasian women over 60
- Family history
- First period before age 12 or menopause after 55
- First child after 30 or no children at all
- Obesity
- Inactivity
- Drink alcohol excessively
- Have had radiation therapy before the age of 30
Being aware of these particular risk factors is important to catch the disease early. These are only some of the factors that add to a woman’s risk. Also, keep in mind that having one or more of these factors does not mean you will get breast cancer. It just speaks to the likelihood of it happening to you. If you have any questions or concerns about risk factors for breast cancer, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Having an open dialogue about breast cancer is important in the fight against this terrible disease.
Written by Sam Tabes
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