Early menses can increase your chances of breast cancer
Would anyone agree that hormone-laden foods and water supplies are a major factor with young girls’ early onset of menses?
Research studies have clearly identified puberty as a critical window in a woman’s development that has a major impact on her future risk of developing breast cancer. According to a 2007 Breast Cancer Fund study, women who started their period before age 12 have a 50 percent higher risk of developing breast cancer, compared to those who started at age 16, an important finding given that the average age at which girls in the United States reach puberty has been declining.
Elisa Bandera, MD, an assistant professor of epidemiology at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and UMDNJ-School of Public Health, is conducting the study. She notes, “Since there is growing evidence that early life factors have a significant impact on breast cancer risk, it is critical that we have a better understanding of what causes the early onset of puberty in young girls. We are hopeful to use the data from this study to improve the health of this population, as well as reducing their long-term risk of developing breast cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society, aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. In 2008, there were 183,000 new cases of breast cancer nationwide.
Source: Medical news today