Factors which may decrease risk include:
• periods starting after the age of 12
• menopause before the age of 45
• having children (especially having the first
before the age of 20)
• breastfeeding (for a minimum of five months –
this could be one baby or more)
• risk-reducing surgery (only for those who
have inherited a faulty gene).
• It doesn’t mean that you will develop breast
cancer and importantly your overall individual
risk may still be small. Remember one person
may have many risk factors and not develop
breast cancer, while another may have very
few risk factors and be diagnosed with the
disease.
The Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam
Step 1:
• Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders
straight and your arms on your hips.
• If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention:
• Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
• A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward
instead of sticking out)
• Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling
Step 2:
• Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.
Step 3:
• While you’re at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one
or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).