your opinion...health risks of women w/out children?

[LanaBanana]

I don't know if this is the appropriate place for this, but I am a PN student and working on my maternal units. While doing some research I came across information saying that women who don't have children have increased health risk and that women who wait until later in life have increased health risks. I know about the higher risk pregnancy in older women, but I am concerned about the health risks. Now, I'm not really old (although I'm sure feeling it) at 28, but since I am single, with no prince charming on the horizon I thought this should be something I should be knowledgeable about. Have you heard this before and if so, what would the health risks be? One I found was an increased risk of breast cancer. Thanks! I thought this was interesting and just wanted more info!

[mandana]

IMO, when you're talking about something that affects 1 in 8 women, there isn't a real point in getting too worried about the health risks of waiting for or choosing not to have children.

I sort of feel like if you don't have a family history of ovarian/breast cancer then the best you can do is monthly self-exams, screening mammos as indicated and annual gyn visits.

1 in 8 women - WOW. Blows me away.

Amanda