AFTER the
menopause, a woman may experience changes that may or may not be related to decreased hormone levels. These include
serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer. Early measures taken may prevent or detect these conditions early.
There is no
increased risk of cancer with the
menopause. Cancer is not as common as heart attacks or strokes. There are different types of cancer that affect women. All women, especially senior women, must be aware of the common cancers that affect them.
Breast cancer is the commonest cancer. It is feared most by women and is frequently the focus of the media so much so that many women think it is a very common condition.
In fact, its incidence is much less than cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis. When detected and treated early, it is very amenable to treatment.
Death rates have declined in recent years. The five-year survival rate for localised cancer is more than 90%. The factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include:
• Age. The risk increases with age reaching about 10% by 80 years of age.
• Heredity. A woman''s risk is increased if her mother or sister had the condition, especially if before the menopause.
• Early age of first period.
• Never been pregnant.
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Long term ( ie.more than five years) hormone therapy (HT) has been reported to be associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.
• Radiotherapy for other cancers.