Because of your age, your immediate risk for developing breast cancer is very low.

Because of your age, your immediate risk for developing breast cancer is low.

Because of your age alone, your immediate risk for developing breast cancer is slightly higher than for a younger woman.

Because of your age, your immediate risk for developing breast cancer is moderate. However, because you have risk factors other than age (listed below), your immediate risk is higher than others in your age group.

Because of your age alone, your immediate risk for developing breast cancer is high.

Because of your age alone, your immediate risk for developing breast cancer is high. The additional risk factors you have reported (listed below) increase that risk further over a same-age person without risk factors.

Age is the greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer. Children rarely develop breast cancer. In fact, the incidence doesn't begin to rise until around age 17, but even then the incidence is low. Beginning about age 45, the risk begins to rise rapidly..

Age is the greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer. Children rarely develop breast cancer. In fact, the incidence doesn't begin to rise until around age 17, but even then the incidence is low. Between the ages of 45 and 65, your immediate risk of developing breast cancer increases, especially for women who have risk factors other than age. According to the American Cancer Society, about two out of three cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed in women ages 55 and older.

Age is the greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer. Children rarely develop breast cancer. In fact, the incidence doesn't begin to rise until around age 17, but even then the incidence is low. Beyond age 45, your immediate risk of developing breast cancer increases, especially if you have other risk factors. These risk factors, especially if they are significant, will put you at increasingly higher risk as you grow older.

Age is the greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer. At age 65 or older, your risk for breast cancer increases with each passing year. According to the American Cancer Society, about two out of three cases of invasive breast cancer occur after age 55, with the majority after age 65. Other risk factors, if they are present, become increasingly important in determining the risk of developing breast cancer in women older than 65.

Age is the greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer. At age 65 or older, your risk for breast cancer increases with each passing year. According to the American Cancer Society, about two out of three cases of invasive breast cancer occur after age 55, with the majority after age 65. Other risk factors become increasingly important in determining the risk of developing breast cancer in women older than 65.

Because you are younger than 17, you have almost no immediate risk of developing breast cancer even if you have other risk factors, listed below. Any risk factors you do have, especially if they are significant, will put you in increasingly higher risk categories as you grow older.

Because you are not yet 45 years old, your immediate risk of developing breast cancer is low even if you have other risk factors, listed below. Any risk factors you do have, especially if they are significant, will put you in increasingly higher risk categories as you grow older.

Your risk factors and their significance, according to this assessment, are listed below. Other risk factors are not covered here. Talk with your health care provider to review all of your risk factors, what can be done about them, and what they may mean in your case.

About risk factors and preventive screening

Some risk factors, such as age, family medical history, and no full-term pregnancies, cannot be changed. However, others—such as weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption—can be modified. If you have risk factors that are modifiable, you should consider making lifestyle changes to reduce those risks. You should avoid alcohol, quit smoking, lose weight if you need to, and exercise regularly. If you have children, breast-feeding them for several months can reduce your breast cancer risk. After menopause, you should avoid hormone therapy. In addition, a healthy diet and adequate exercise may reduce breast cancer risk.

A large portion of the women with breast cancer have no risk factors. Having risk factors does not mean that you will develop breast cancer. But having risk factors is a good reason to discuss them with your physician and schedule preventing screening.

Whether you have risk factors or not, it is important to follow the national breast cancer screening guidelines. Here are recommendations from the American Cancer Society (ACS) for screenings:

• The ACS recommends yearly screening for all women ages 40 and older. Women should talk with their doctors about their personal risk factors before making a decision about when to start getting mammograms or how often they should get them. (A mammogram is an X-ray of breast tissue. The X-ray is taken by compressing the breast firmly between a plastic plate and a cassette that contains special X-ray film.
• The ACS recommends clinical breast exams (CBEs) at least every three years for all women in their 20s and 30s. The ACS recommends annual CBEs for women ages 40 and older..
• The ACS says BSEs are an option for women 20 and older as a means of familiarizing themselves with their breasts so they can notice changes more easily. Talking with your doctor about the benefits and limitations can help you decide if you should start performing BSEs.

Based on the information you provided, you have one or more risk factors for cervical cancer. A risk factor is any condition or behavior that increases your likelihood of developing a disease. Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean you will develop a disease, however. Knowing what your risk factors are helps your health care provider schedule appropriate screenings and recommend preventive measures.

For cervical cancer, the primary risk factor is infection with certain high-risk types of HPV, or human papillomavirus, which can cause genital warts. Other secondary risk factors also come into play. Based on the answers to your assessment, your risk factors, if any, are listed below.

The information you provided suggests that you have none of the common risk factors for cervical cancer covered in this assessment. Your results show the following preventive factors that decrease your likelihood developing cervical cancer by varying degrees:

Understanding risk factors for cervical cancer

The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is being infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most women diagnosed with cervical cancer have this virus. HPV is passed on through skin contact with an infected part of the body, usually on or near the sexual organs, the ACS says. Your risk for getting this virus increases if you have sex at an early age, if you have more than one sexual partner during your lifetime, if your partner has had multiple sex partners, or if you have sex with uncircumcised males.

HPV refers to a group of more than 100 types of viruses that cause genital warts. Only a few of these viruses cause cervical cancer; about half of all cervical cancer cases are caused by only two types, HPV 16 and HPV 18, the ACS says. Yet most women who are infected with these types of HPV don't develop cervical cancer.

HPV infection does not always cause warts or other symptoms, so you can pass it to another person without knowing it. Although condoms protect against many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), they don't offer total protection against HPV, the ACS says. This is because HPV can be passed on by skin contact with an infected area of the body that can't be covered with a condom. Even when no warts are present, HPV can reside in the skin and be passed on. HPV vaccines are currently available for people between ages 9 and 26. The vaccines are intended to be given before the time of first sexual intercourse.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), other factors that increase your risk for cervical cancer are:

• HIV infection. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, damages the body's immune system. This and any other condition that weakens the immune system puts a woman at greater risk for HPV infection, which may increase the risk for cervical cancer, the ACS says.
• Chlamydia. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease with few symptoms. Recent research suggests that a past or current chlamydia infection may put a woman at greater risk for cervical cancer.
• Genital herpes. Some research suggests that infection with HSV-2 in some women may help the human papillomavirus to infect the cervix.
• Family history of cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia. Women whose mother or sisters have had cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia are at greater risk themselves for cervical cancer. It has been suggested by some researchers that some women may not fight off HPV infection as well as others owing to an inherited condition.
• Smoking. Women who smoke are about twice as likely as nonsmokers to get cervical cancer. Tobacco smoke contains many cancer-causing chemicals that are carried throughout the body in the blood. These chemicals have been found in the cervix of women who smoke.
• Poor diet. Women who consume few fruits or vegetables may be at higher risk for cervical cancer.

The importance of screening

The increased use of the Pap test has dramatically reduced deaths from cervical cancer. Pap tests find early cancers or changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. Cervical cancer develops slowly, usually taking years to progress from a precancerous condition to cancer. For many women, the precancerous changes will not progress to cancer or will go away without any treatment. Precancerous conditions can also be treated, however, preventing cancer from developing.

The American Cancer Society recommends that:

• All women at average risk should have Pap tests starting at age 21.
• Women between ages 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years.
• Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV test (called “co-testing”) every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it is also acceptable to continue to have Pap tests alone every 3 years.
• Women older than age 65 who have had regular screening with normal results should not be screened for cervical cancer. Once screening is stopped, it should not be started again.
• A woman who has had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) for reasons not related to cervical cancer and who has no history of cervical cancer or serious precancer should not be screened.
• A woman who has been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening recommendations for her age group.

Tips for an accurate Pap test

To make sure your Pap test results are accurate, the ACS says to avoid the following:

• Scheduling your test for a time when you are having your menstrual period.
• Douching within two days (48 hours) of your test. In general, douching is not recommended, because it disrupts the natural bacteria and acidity in the vagina. This can irritate the vagina and actually increase the risk for certain infections.
• Having sexual intercourse within two days (48 hours) of your test.
• Using tampons, vaginal medications, foams, creams, or jellies within two days (48 hours) of your test.

Pap test, pelvic exam: The difference

A pelvic exam is not a Pap test, but both are done during the same office visit. The Pap test is usually done first. For the Pap test, the health care provider inserts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina to hold it open, then gently scrapes or brushes the cervix with another instrument to remove a small number of cells. This sample is sent to the laboratory. The HPV test can be done at the same time as the Pap test. During a pelvic exam, a health care provider checks the health of a woman's uterus and ovaries by feeling them through the abdomen. For the exam, the provider inserts two fingers into the vagina and presses to steady the uterus; the other hand pushes on the abdomen to feel the uterus and ovaries. A pelvic exam cannot find cervical cancer in its early stages or abnormal cervical cells.

Treatment of cervical cancer

A health care provider may suggest one of the following treatments for precancerous changes of the cervix or for cancer found only in the outer layer of cells the cervix (cancer that has not invaded deeper tissues):

• Cryosurgery. Abnormal cells in the cervix are killed by freezing them.
• Laser surgery. A laser beam burns off abnormal cells or removes a small piece of tissue for examination.

For more advanced cancers, a cone biopsy may be done first to establish the cancer diagnosis. In a cone biopsy (conization), a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix. Treatment for more advanced cancers may be hysterectomy, internal or external radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.

Factors you have marked that raise your risk for osteoporosis include:

• Your ethnicity. People who are Caucasian or Asian have a higher risk than people of other ethnic groups. Groups at lower risk include African Americans and Hispanics.
• Your BMI. BMI is a measurement of body fat. People who have an extremely low BMI are at greater risk for osteoporosis than people of normal or high BMI. Talk to your health care provider about ways to increase your BMI.
• Your history of anorexia nervosa or another eating disorder.
• Your history of heavy alcohol use. Talk to your health care provider about ways to cut back on your drinking.
• Your diet. You get less than a glass of milk (or its equivalent) daily. People who don't consume at least a glass of milk each day are at higher risk. You can reduce your risk by adding more calcium-rich foods to your diet.
• Your family history of osteoporosis.

Your assessment indicates that you currently have no risk factors for osteoporosis.

Your assessment indicates that you currently have no risk factors for osteoporosis other than age.

Adopting a bone-healthy lifestyle now can prevent or delay osteoporosis later in life. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are essential to bone health for women of all ages.

• Diet: Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods now. Most of the calcium that goes into building strong bones is added by the time you turn 17. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D by spending about 15 minutes several days a week in the sun without sunscreen. Or, you can take a supplement that contains 400 IU of vitamin D.
• Exercise: Daily exercise must be part of your life. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research indicates that exercise improves the body's ability to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for maintaining bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.

Adopting a bone-healthy lifestyle now can prevent or delay osteoporosis later in life. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are essential to bone health for women of all ages.

• Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods now. Most of the calcium that went into building strong bones was added by the time you turned 17. You need plenty of calcium now to maintain that strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D by spending time in the sun (15 minutes of gentle tanning and careful avoidance of burning). Or, you can take a supplement that contains 400 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D.
• Exercise. Daily exercise must be a part of your life. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research indicates that exercise improves the body's ability to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for maintaining bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.

You are currently nearing or have reached menopause. Menopause is a time in life when your bones rapidly lose calcium. You can slow or delay osteoporosis as you get older. You can do this with a lifestyle that maintains dense, healthy bone. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are essential to bone health for women of all ages. So is good medical care.

• Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods now. Most of the calcium that went into building strong bones was added by the time you turned 17. You need plenty of calcium now to maintain that strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D by taking a daily supplement that contains 400 to 1,000 IU of that vitamin.
• Exercise. Daily exercise must be a part of your lifestyle. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research indicates that exercise improves the body's ability to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for maintaining bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.
• Medical care. Talk with your health care provider about other ways to reduce your risk. If you are at risk, your doctor may suggest one of several tests to determine your bone density.

You have reached menopause. Menopause is a time in life when your bones rapidly lose calcium. You can slow or delay osteoporosis with a lifestyle that maintains dense, healthy bone. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are essential to bone health for women of all ages. So is good medical care.

• Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods. You need adequate calcium now to maintain bone strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D by taking a daily supplement that contains 400 to 1,000 IU of that vitamin.
• Exercise. Daily exercise must be a part of your lifestyle. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research indicates that exercise improves the body's ability to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for maintaining bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.
• Medical care. Talk with your health care provider about other ways to reduce your risk. If you are at risk, your doctor may suggest one of several tests to determine your bone density.

You are well past menopause and may already have experienced some loss of bone strength. You can slow further loss with a lifestyle that maintains dense, healthy bone. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are essential to bone health for women of all ages. So is good medical care.

• Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods. You need adequate calcium now to maintain bone strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D by taking a daily supplement that contains 400 to 1,000 IU of that vitamin.
• Exercise. Daily exercise must be a part of your lifestyle. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research indicates that exercise improves the body's ability to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for maintaining bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.
• Medical care. Talk with your health care provider about other ways to reduce your risk. If you are at risk, your doctor may suggest one of several tests to determine your bone density.

You are well past menopause and have already experienced some loss of bone strength. You can slow further loss with a lifestyle that maintains dense, healthy bone. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are essential to bone health for women of all ages. So is good medical care.

• Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods. You need adequate calcium now to maintain bone strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D by taking a daily supplement that contains 400 to 1,000 IU of that vitamin.
• Exercise. Exercise may be harder for you at your age. If you can, try to exercise. Many studies have shown that exercise helps older adults. Exercise helps you with your strength and your ability to get around. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
• Medical care. Talk with your health care provider about other ways to reduce your risk. If you are at risk, your doctor may suggest one of several tests to determine your bone density.

Help from your health care provider

Your health care provider can help you understand your risk. He or she can also diagnose and help treat osteoporosis if you develop it.

• Diagnosis. Several tests can diagnose osteoporosis. Your provider will figure out which test is best for you.
• Treatment. New medications are available to stop or slow bone loss. Some medications may actually increase bone strength. These medications all depend on your getting enough calcium and vitamin D. That means you will be an important part of treatment. You will be responsible for your diet and exercise.