Radiation therapy and surgery: Radiation therapy and surgery can be used to ease the pain of bone metastases. Radiation therapy to the bone can relieve pain at the site of the tumor(s) and prevent fractures. Drugs called radiopharmaceuticals (samarium (Quadramet) or alpharadin (Xofigo) can also treat pain from
Exposure to estrogen. Because the female hormone estrogen stimulates breast cancer growth, exposure to estrogen over long periods of time, without any brakes, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Some of these risk factors are not under your control, such as: starting menstruation (monthly periods) at a young age (before age 12) going through
Race. White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African American women. Asian, Hispanic, and Native American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer. Radiation therapy to the chest. Having radiation therapy to the chest area as a child or young adult as treatment for another
Gender. Being a woman is the most significant risk factor for developing breast cancer. Although men can get breast cancer, too, women's breast cells are constantly changing and growing, mainly due to the activity of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, This activity puts them at must greater risk for breast cancer. Age. Simply growing
Exposure to estrogen. Because the female hormone estrogen stimulates breast cancer growth, exposure to estrogen over long periods of time, without any breaks, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Some of these risk factors are under your control, such as: taking combined hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone; HRT) for several years or more, or
Exercise. Evidence is growing that exercise can reduce breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society recommends engaging in 45-60 minutes of physical exercise 5 or more days a week. Alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that breast cancer risk increases with amount of alcohol a woman drinks. Alcohol can limit your liver's ability to control blood
Keep your body weight in a healthy range for your height and frame. Body mass index, though not a perfect measurement, can help you estimate your healthy weight. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit (more than 5 cups a day). Try to limit your saturated fat intake to less than 10% of your total calories
Weight. Being overweight is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, especially for women after menopause. Fat tissue is the body's main source of estrogen after menopause, when the ovaries stop producing the hormone. Having more fat tissue means having higher estrogen levels, which can increase breast cancer risk. Diet. Studies are looking at the
A "risk factor" is anything that increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Many of the most important risk factors for breast cancer are beyond your control, such as age, family history, and medical history. However, there are some risk factors you can control, such as weight, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Be sure to
Treatment decisions should be a team effort between you and your doctor. Asking the right questions will help you manage and determine the best course of action for your treatment. You can ask your doctor: Can you recommend additional resources that would help educate me about my disease and treatment. What are my options for