Studies have demonstrated that many factors are linked with breast cancer. The most important factors are being a woman and getting older.
Most cases of breast cancers are discovered in women older than 50 years.
Some patients may be afflicted even with no certain risk factors. Also, having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease.
Risk Factors You Cannot Change
Getting older: The chance of breast cancer increases with age
Genetic mutations: Inherited changes to certain genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2
Reproductive history: Early menstrual periods (>12 years old) and starting menopause late (>55 years old) expose patients to hormones longer, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
Having dense breasts
Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Previous treatment using radiation therapy: Female patients who undergo radiation therapy to the chest or breasts before age 30 have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Women who took the drug diethylstilbestrol
Risk Factors You Can Change
Not being physically active
Being overweight or obese after menopause
Taking hormones Some forms of hormone replacement therapy
Reproductive history Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.
Drinking alcohol
Research suggested that smoking, being exposed to chemicals, and changes in other hormones due to night shift working also may increase breast cancer risk.
Who Is at High Risk for Breast Cancer?
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, you may have a high risk of getting breast cancer. You may also have a high risk for ovarian cancer.
source: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
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