spicedogs

OMG, I just found out, which I am sure for some people it may be old news, that Christina Applegate has breast cancer. This is so sad. She is only 36 years old. Luckily, because she has cancer history in her family (her mom is a survivor), she went in for early detection. I love Christina Applegate. She is so great in Samantha Who? I hope that this news will not stop the show from continuing on. It is so funny. It's important to make sure that we learn the the risk factors for breast cancer and go for detection.

Some factors that place women at an increased risk for this type of cancer are as follows:

Family history

Long-term use of hormone therapy to treat menopause

Breast changes on biopsy – some abnormal cells can increase the risk of a woman developing breast cancer. Women who have had two or more biopsies on their breast for other benign conditions are also at an increased risk

Certain genetic alterations

Reproductive/menstrual history – Women who had their first child after age 30 or who have never had a child can be an increased risk. Women who started their periods before age 12 or went through menopause after turning 55 are also at an increased risk.

Radiation therapy patients – Women who have had the treatment to the chest before age 30.

Breast density – Older women whose mammograms show more dense tissue are at an increased risk.

Taking the drug Diethylstillbestrol (DES) – Pregnant women who took the drug between 1940 and 1971 are at an increased risk. It is no longer given to pregnant women.