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This One Thing Can Reveal Your Risk For Invasive Breast Cancer, Says New Study

It's evident at birth.

A breast cancer diagnosis falls under the category of beyond terrifying. The good news is, the medical community learns and advances more and more each and every day, increasing the chances of early detection.

A treatment plan for invasive breast cancer can vary with each individual. Depending on what the circumstances are, a breast cancer patient can undergo surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and more, as noted by breast cancer organization Susan G. Komen. A breast cancer diagnosis early on can result in a more positive prognosis than patients who are diagnosed with more progressive breast cancers, and it helps to always stay informed.

Interestingly, previous studies have revealed that your birth weight could be linked to how much at risk you are of developing breast cancer. According to the Susan G. Komen organization, women who were a higher weight when they were born are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women of lower birth weight. But a recent study published in Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society found that a high birth weight can cause invasive breast cancer. Read on to learn more, and next, check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

A high birth weight can increase your chance of developing invasive breast cancer

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In this recent study, scientists performed research on 1,139,032 women. They compared those who were born at normal weights to those born with higher birth weights. Their data concluded, "high weight at birth … is positively associated with the risk of invasive breast cancer." Additionally, the study revealed a higher birth weight can increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in singleton births (over 8 pounds).

Related: These Foods May Increase Your Breast Cancer Risk, Says New Study

Low birth weights can also lead to complications

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Babies born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces are considered to have low birth weight, according to Boston Children's Hospital. Babies who are born weighing less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces are at an extremely low birth weight. A small baby can be at risk of complications, including motor delays, behavioral and intellectual challenges, and more, as per the findings in a previous study. But according to this recent study, a high birth weight can have its own challenges.

Related: 22 Foods That May Affect Your Breast Cancer Risk

Listen to your body, and take the proper steps to protect it

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It's crucial to be in-tuned with your body, stay up-to-date with breast exams, and go for mammograms for early detection of any potential health risk. The American Cancer Society recommends women who are "at average risk for breast cancer" go for mammograms every year starting at age 45. As for women between the ages of 40 to 44, the organization leaves it up to them to decide if they'd like to get a head start on annual mammogram screenings.

For more…

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For more Mind + Body info, check out Drinking This Every Day May Increase Your Breast Cancer Risk and Here's Exactly Who Gets Breast Cancer, According to the Latest Stats next.

Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Deputy Editor of Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and delivering compelling fitness, wellness, and self-care topics to readers. Read more about Alexa
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