Understanding Breast Cancer - the Basics

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What Causes Breast Cancer? continued...

Some studies suggest that the use of hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone containing compounds increases the risk of developing breast cancers. The use of estrogens alone does not increase or decrease the risk unless they are used for prolonged periods of time and then the risk increases.The jury is still somewhat out on this matter though. Heavy doses of radiation therapy may also be a factor, but low-dose mammograms pose almost no risk.
The link between diet and breast cancer is debated. Obesity is a noteworthy risk factor, predominately in postmenopausal women, because obesity alters a woman's estrogen levels. Drinking alcohol regularly - more than 2 to 3 drinks a day - may also promote the disease. Many studies have shown that women whose diets are high in fat, either from red meat or high-fat dairy products, are more likely to get the disease. Researchers suspect that if a woman lowers her daily calories from fat - to less than 20%-30% - her diet may help protect her from developing breast cancer.

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