Cancer Causes (cont.)
Certain hormones
Doctors may recommend hormones (estrogen alone or estrogen along with
progestin) to help control problems (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness,
and thinning bones) that may occur during menopause. However, studies show
that menopausal hormone therapy can cause serious side effects. Hormones may
increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.
| A woman considering menopausal hormone therapy should discuss the
possible risks and benefits with her doctor. |
Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a form of estrogen, was given to some pregnant
women in the United States between about 1940 and 1971. Women who took DES
during pregnancy may have a slightly higher risk of developing breast
cancer. Their daughters have an increased risk of developing a rare type of
cancer of the cervix. The possible effects on their sons are under study.
| Women who believe they took DES and daughters who may have been exposed
to DES before birth should talk with their doctor about having checkups.
|
Family history of cancer
Most cancers develop because of changes (mutations) in genes. A normal
cell may become a cancer cell after a series of gene changes occur. Tobacco
use, certain viruses, or other factors in a person's lifestyle or
environment can cause such changes in certain types of cells.
Some gene changes that increase the risk of cancer are passed from parent
to child. These changes are present at birth in all cells of the body.
It is uncommon for cancer to run in a family. However, certain types of
cancer do occur more often in some families than in the rest of the
population. For example, melanoma and cancers of the breast, ovary,
prostate, and colon sometimes run in families. Several cases of the same
cancer type in a family may be linked to inherited gene changes, which may
increase the chance of developing cancers. However, environmental factors
may also be involved. Most of the time, multiple cases of cancer in a family
are just a matter of chance.
| If you think you may have a pattern of a certain type of cancer in your
family, you may want to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may suggest ways to
try to reduce your risk of cancer. Your doctor also may suggest exams that
can detect cancer early.
You may want to ask your doctor about genetic testing. These tests can
check for certain inherited gene changes that increase the chance of
developing cancer. But inheriting a gene change does not mean that you will
definitely develop cancer. It means that you have an increased chance of
developing the disease.
|
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