From Intelihealth News
Johns Hopkins Q&A: Breast and Ovarian Cancer - Who's At
Risk
Informed opinion from the experts at
America's foremost health institution
June 5, 1997, Baltimore
While the role of genes in breast and
ovarian cancer has captured headlines, in fact such cases
account for only a small percentage of cancers. Meanwhile,
breast cancer researchers continue to focus on risk factors,
such as alcohol consumption, diet, the number of
pregnancies and the role of breast-feeding; while ovarian
cancer researchers still wonder if the disease isn't the result
of a toxin. In the first part of this series, Johns Hopkins
oncologists William C. Dooley, M.D.,director of the Johns
Hopkins Breast Cancer Center and associate professor of
surgery and oncology, and Deborah Kay Armstrong, M.D.,
assistant professor of oncology, outlined the genetic
components of breast and ovarian cancer. Now, in Part 2,
they discuss the non-genetic risk factors.
<Snip>
IH: Are any nationalities particularly at risk?
Dr. Dooley: Americans have one of the highest rates in the
world. The more affluent the country, the greater the risk.
There's a relationship between the number of menstrual
cycles a woman has before her first pregnancy and breast
cancer and a relationship between her total lifetime dose of
estrogen and breast cancer. We also know that the higher a
woman's bone density, the higher her risk of breast cancer.
What has happened in this country is that the average age of
the onset of menstruation has fallen and the age of
menopause has risen. And with delayed child-bearing,
there's also a longer interval between the first period and the
first pregnancy, and that's where the risk is. Breastfeeding
decreases the risk, and having more children decreases the
risk.
<Snip>
IH: What can women do to prevent breast cancer?
Dr. Dooley: Breast feed. It's especially recommended for
women with a strong history of cancer. Eat a low-fat diet and
watch your alcohol intake.
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