Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death. The rates of young people being diagnosed with breast cancer are increasing, highlighting the importance of early detection and awareness. To help you better understand what increases your risk, Atrium Health Levine Cancer created the C.H.E.C.K. list; a simple way to remember the top contributing factors:
C – Choices
Lifestyle choices matter. A sedentary lifestyle or poor diet can increase your risk.
H – History
Family history plays a powerful role. Having a mother, sister, or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age, raises your risk significantly.
E – Estrogen
Longer lifetime exposure to estrogen increases risk. This includes early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), and hormone replacement therapy.
C – Characteristics
Bodily characteristics like breast density and excess weight, especially after menopause, are risk factors.
K – Know
Know your genes. Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase breast cancer risk by up to 70%. Genetic counseling and testing are key tools in identifying high-risk individuals.
Atrium Health Levine Cancer is at the forefront of high-risk breast cancer care, offering:
- Tailored Risk Assessments: Patients receive personalized evaluations based on family history, lifestyle, and genetic testing.
- Age-Specific Care Plans: From young women navigating fertility concerns to postmenopausal patients managing hormone exposure, care is customized at every stage.
- Dedicated High-Risk Clinics: These clinics provide ongoing surveillance, preventive strategies, and access to clinical trials.
- Community-Focused Programs: Atrium Health Levine Cancer is actively addressing community needs through outreach and mobile mammography programs.
Learn more about breast cancer care at Atrium Health.
