Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women. 1 out of every 8 women will develop the disease. Over 200,000 women are diagnosed each year.

Risk Factors

Being a woman

Yes, just being female increases your chances of developing breast cancer. Contrary to popular belief, men can develop the disease also.

Early onset of menses

Starting your period before the age of 12 heightens your chances.

Family history

When physicians review family history of breast cancer, they normally only consider mothers, daughters and sisters.If anyone in your immediate family was diagnosed, it puts you at risk.

Alcohol consumption

More than two alcoholic beverages daily puts you at risk.

Diet containing excess saturated fats

A diet that contains high amounts of saturated fat is a high risk factor. Try to avoid polyunsaturated fat as well.

Pregnancy late in life or no pregnancies at all

Pregnancies over the age of 26 are at risk. You are at a much lower risk if pregnancies occurred under this age.

Personal history of breast cancer

Prior cancer patients are at risk for development of cancer in the other breast. Regular breast check ups are important to detecting reoccurrence.

Breast cancer can develop for a many number of reasons. The risk factors only serve as a guide. When detected early, breast cancer is treatable. Remember to always perform your monthly breast self exam and report any unusual findings to your physician immediately.

History of Cancer

This is one of those things that can make you feel like nature just isn't very nice. Why? People who've had cancer are more likely to get cancer. Research indicates that women who've had breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer. For example, a study published in the journal Cancer Research found that one screwy gene can cause cancer of the colon and uterus.


Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the bowel can cause colon cancer because inflamed areas of the colon can give rise to abnormally-developed cells which in time, can give rise to cancer cells.


Smoking
Long-term cigarette smoking causes colon cancer for two main reasons. First, inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon. Second, tobacco use appears to increase polyp size. Related articles that talk about smoking as a cause of colon cancer include the following:
No Such Thing as a Safe Cigarette... Smoker

Smoking Increases Risk for Carriers of the HNPCC Gene

Smoking Causes Genetic Damage Linked to Colon Cancer

Weight

Obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, can cause colon cancer. (What's your BMI?) Studies indicate that extra fat in the waist (an "apple" shape) increases the risk of colorectal cancer more than extra fat in the thighs or hips (a "pear" shape). Related articles that discuss weight as a cause of colon cancer include the following:
Study Finds Thick Middles Increase Colon Cancer Risk

Obese Women are Four Times More Likely to Develop Colon Cancer

Obesity Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk in Women
Now that you have a good handle on what causes colon cancer, why not learn what prevents it? Top 10 Colon Cancer Prevention Tips provides simple, straightforward advice for protecting yourself and your family from colon cancer.

Sources:
Colon Cancer: How is Colon Cancer Inherited? Genetic Health. 4 Aug. 2000. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.genetichealth.com/CRC_Colon_Cancer_Does_Colon_Cancer_Run_in_Families.shtml].

Colon Cancer: What Causes Colon Cancer? eHealthMD. Oct. 2004. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/colon-cancer/Colon-Cancer_causes.html].