What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

• 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

1. Getting older: The chance of breast cancer increases with age

2. Genetic mutations: Inherited changes to certain genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2

3. 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.

4. Having dense breasts

5. Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases

6. Family history of breast or ovarian cancer

7. 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.

8. Women who took the drug diethylstilbestrol

• Risk Factors You Can Change

1. Not being physically active

2. Being overweight or obese after menopause

3. Taking hormones Some forms of hormone replacement therapy

4. Reproductive history Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.

5. 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