Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Physical therapist Elizabeth Cendan has years of experience in her field, working for organizations such as the Rusk Institute of NYU Langone Medical Center. In her practice, Elizabeth Cendan has provided physical therapy to patients recovering from breast cancer treatment, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Physical therapy can be an effective component of a comprehensive rehabilitation regimen to decrease pain and enable patients to regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Liz Cendan is an active supporter of breast cancer research and has participated in several fundraisers for breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer awareness is important since greater knowledge can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, which is associated with higher long-term survival rates.

Approximately one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer, the second leading cause of death for women. Onset typically occurs age 50 years or older, although younger patients are also at risk. There are many risk factors, though not all women with risk factors get cancer and not all women who get cancer have risk factors. Breast cancer risk factors include the following:

Genetic mutations: These include inherited changes to genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2. 

Early menstrual periods: Women who begin their periods before age 12 have a longer hormonal exposure time, which can raise the risk for breast cancer. 

Starting menopause after 55: Similar to those who begin menstruation early, women who have their periods for a longer time can face more cumulative exposure to hormones. 

Having denser breasts: Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. 

The American Cancer Society recommends that women get regular mammograms, as appropriate for their particular circumstances--for example, one every year for women ages 45 to 54, and every two years for those age 55 and over.