
This course covers a wide range of material concerning risk factors for breast cancer. It starts with an overview of breast cancer rates by ethnicity and age and explores the current statistics, breaking down what it really means that one in eight women will develop breast cancer.
Risk factors for Breast Cancer are clearly defined, including what makes a woman high or moderate risk. Unchangeable breast cancer risk factors are explored, including being female, advancing age, race, ethnicity, and religion. This course also looks at personal and familial medical history, specifically how a personal history of cancer or having a first-degree relative with breast cancer affects one’s risk. Abnormal biopsies, previous radiation treatments, early menarche, late menopause, and exposure to synthetic estrogen are also covered. Breast density and its relation to breast cancer risks are reviewed as well.
Lifestyle factors that affect risk are explored, including not having children or not having children until later in life, the age of first pregnancy and first live birth, history of breastfeeding, use of hormonal birth control, taking hormone replacement therapy, history of alcohol consumption, induced abortions, obesity, level of physical activity, chemical exposures, history of smoking, education, income, and sexual orientation.
Some controversial risk factors are discussed as well, including coffee consumption, high carb diets, height, CMV exposure, lifestyle choices during adolescence, stress, skin cancer, bras, exposure to parabens, working night shifts, and getting breast implants. A list of foods that may increase breast cancer risk is provided.
This self-directed course is worth 4 continuing education credits and includes a 32 question multiple-choice online exam. By completing this course, you will attain the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Certificate 2020.