Categories of Q&A
Prevention
Risk
Genetics & Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer in Men
Myths
Signs & Symptoms
Breast Cancer Screening
Diagnosis
Treatment
Side Effects
Side Effects on Sex & Intimacy
Integrative & Alternative Medicine
Health for Women
Q&A for Survivors
 The magazine on:

  • Women's health
     
  • Breast health
     
  • Breast cancer
Read for free.
Click here.




Breast Asymmetry & Risk of Breast Cancer  

Ever since I was a teenager, one of my breasts is larger than the other breast. Does this affect my risk of breast cancer?

Most women have breasts that are not exactly symmetrical in size. A recent study of 504 women in the U.K. suggests that a relatively large difference in size of each breast, as determined by mammography, represents a risk factor for developing breast cancer.[1, 2]

Half of the women in the study had no personal history of breast cancer and normal mammograms.[1, 2] The other half of the women in the study initially had normal mammograms, but later developed breast cancer.

In the study, the average size of a breast, as measured by mammography, was16.9 ounces.[1, 2] Only one woman in the study had breasts that were perfectly symmetrical, whereas the average asymmetry of the breasts in the women in the study ranged from 1.2 ounces to 2.03 ounces. Estrogen levels may affect the symmetry of women’s breasts.

According to the study, the women who eventually developed breast cancer had breasts that were more asymmetrical than those of the women who remained free of breast cancer.[1, 2] For example, for each 3.38 ounce increase in breast asymmetry detected by mammography, a 50% increase in the risk of breast cancer was predicted.

Due to the small number of women in this study and previous studies on breast asymmetry, the conclusion that breast asymmetry is an independent risk factor for breast cancer remains preliminary.[2] Future studies will involve more women.

Asymmetry in breast size is only one of many possible risk factors for breast cancer.[1, 2] The key is to not allow yourself to be consumed by worry. Regular screening (i.e., breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammography), a healthy lifestyle, and a positive attitude are great contributors to maintaining breast health.

REFERENCES

1. D. Scutt. Breast Cancer Research. Online edition. 03/20/06; Volume 8.
2. S. Boyles. Breast asymmetry points to cancer risk. 03/20/06. Accessed at www.webmd.com.


Questions Related to Breast Asymmetry & Risk of Breast Cancer
Does antibiotic use increase breast cancer risk?
What does the term, "risk factor" for cancer (including breast cancer), mean?
My mother had breast cancer. Does this mean I am at greater risk?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago, but I am now in remission. Am I at a higher risk of getting the disease again in the future?
Can benign cysts become cancerous?
I have no family history of breast cancer. Why should I worry about getting breast cancer?
Is there anything I can do to lower my risk of getting breast cancer?
Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) increase my breast cancer risk?
What is the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool?
What women are at risk for breast cancer?
What risk factors are most important in determining my likelihood of getting breast cancer?
If I didn’t nurse my children, am I at greater risk of breast cancer?
Does exposure to toxins and chemicals in the environment increase one’s risk of breast cancer?
Do breast implants increase your risk of breast cancer?
Does radiation exposure increase your breast cancer risk?
What is the connection between estrogen and breast cancer?
I have had fertility treatments. Does this increase my risk of breast cancer?
If I take birth control pills, am I at greater risk of getting breast cancer?
What are phytoestrogens? Do they cause breast cancer?
What causes breast cancer?
What are the risk factors that put a woman at a higher risk for breast cancer?
What risk factors for breast cancer can you control?
What risk factors for breast cancer can you not control?
I started menstruating at a very young age. Am I at greater risk of getting breast cancer?
If I am overweight, am I at a greater risk of developing breast cancer?
I've heard that being overweight before menopause helps lower your risk of breast cancer. Is this true?
Is there a link between alcohol and breast cancer?
Why does alcohol consumption increase the risk of breast cancer ?
Can exercise reduce breast cancer risk?
Does a woman's height influence her breast cancer risk?
I have never had children. Am I at a greater risk for breast cancer?
Why does starting menstruation at an earlier age slightly increase your risk of breast cancer?
I began menopause later than average. Does this put me at increased risk for breast cancer?
Can I inherit breast cancer from my mother or other women in my family?
I often experience breast pain. What is this pain? Does the breast pain mean that I am more likely to get breast cancer?
I have very lumpy breasts. Does this mean I will develop breast cancer or am at high risk?
I’ve been told that I have high breast density. What is high breast density? Does this increase my risk of breast cancer?
Are women who have fibrocystic changes in their breasts at higher risk for breast cancer?
Is there a link between smoking and breast cancer?
Does stress increase your risk of breast cancer?
Does abortion increase a woman's risk of breast cancer?
If I am HIV-positive, can I breastfeed my baby?
If I am being treated for AIDS, can I breastfeed my baby?
If I take aspirin or ibuprofen regularly, will the medication increase my risk of developing breast cancer?
What is the connection between dietary fats and fiber and risk of breast cancer?
Can eating soy foods affect the risk of developing breast cancer?
Do statin drugs lower the risk of breast cancer?
Does estrogen replacement therapy increase my risk of breast cancer?
I often experience mastalgia. What causes mastalgia? Does mastalgia mean that I am more likely to get breast cancer?
Does using antiperspirants raise the risk of breast cancer?

Page 1 of 2
   | 1 | 2 | Next




 

is a trademark of HC Search Corporation.