Chronic Diseases Essay Example for Free

Chronic Diseases Essay Finding out that you have any type of cancer will change your life and wonder how and why it happens to them. Even after many years and billions of dollars of research, we still dont know exactly what causes cancer. But we do know how to identify people who are at higher risk of developing specific cancers. A well-known cancer that majority women get but also men can get as well is breast cancer. Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. Everyone has a risk factor; a risk factor is anything that affects your chances of getting a particular disease. They are risk factors that you cannot change and those are: age, gender, family history of breast cancer, genes, and menstrual cycle. Your risks of developing breast cancer increases as you get older; most advanced breast cancer cases are found in women over age 50. Women are 100 times more likely to get breast cancer than men, but men have their chances as well. You may also have a higher risk for breast cancer if you have a close relative who has had breast cancer or other cancers such as: uterine, ovarian, or colon cancer. Some people have genes that make them more likely to develop breast cancer. Women who got their periods early, before age 12 or went through menopause late, after age 55 have an increased risk for breast cancer. Other risk factors are if you drink two or more glasses a day you can increase your chance of getting breast cancer. Also, being overweight is a risk factor of developing breast cancer. Many risk factors, such as your genes and family history, cannot be controlled. However, eating a healthy diet and making a few lifestyle changes may reduce your overall chance of getting cancer. Maintained a physical activity that will allow you to be at a healthy weight can help you reduce of getting cancer. Watch what you eat and how much you consume, it is said that if you reduce your intake of red meat will help you reduce your risk of getting breast cancer or any other cancer. Eating vegetables and eating more whole grain should be added or be a good portion in your daily diet. Also if you are aware of your risk factors you are already doing something to help you prevent getting cancer. Getting a screening test is also important to do even if your risk isn’t that high. A screening test looks for signs of cancer in people who have no symptoms. Also if you feel that you have symptoms, going to your doctor to check and do the screening test is important. Also when you have your daily check up at the doctors allowing them to do a simple regular breast examine. Your doctor will check if you have any abnormal lump in your breast. They are things you can do to help you prevent getting cancer but even so there is that small chance of you getting cancer. Talking to your doctor and being informed in what you can do is a very good option.