Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. Some risk factors can’t be changed; others may be reduced or even eliminated based on your lifestyle choices.
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*The most significant breast cancer risk factors include:
Gender.
Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men.
Age.
Invasive breast cancer is more common in women over age 55.
Family history.
If a first-degree relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, has had breast cancer, your risk is doubledTrusted Source. https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors
Genetics.
A small percentage(Trusted Source)of breast cancers may be caused by genes that are passed from generation to generation.
Race.
According to the National Cancer InstituteTrusted Source, Hispanic/Latina and Asian women are slightly less likely to develop breast cancer than White and African-American women. African-American women are more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which is highly aggressive and more likely to develop at a younger age. African-American women are also more likely to die from breast cancer as compared to White women.
Weight.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for breast cancer.
Benign breast conditions. Certain benign (noncancerous) breast conditions may impact your risk for later developing breast cancer.
Hormone use.
If you used or are currently using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), your risk for breast cancer is likely higher.
Menstrual history.
An early menstrual period (before age 12) may raise your risk for breast cancer.
Late menopause age. Delayed menopause (after age 55) may expose you to more hormones, which could increase your risks.
Dense breast tissue .
Studies suggest women with dense breast tissue are more likely to develop cancer. The tissue may also make detecting the cancer more difficult.
Sedentary lifestyle .
Women who do not exercise regularly are more likely to develop breast cancer than women who exercise often.
Tobacco use .
Smoking increases the risk for breast cancer, especially in younger women who have not gone through menopause yet.
Alcohol consumption .
For every drink you take, your risk for breast cancer increases. Research suggests drinking some alcohol might be OK, but heavy alcohol use is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors
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