Breast Cancer Risk Factors

The most significant risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman over 50. 

Although the majority of women fall into several less obvious risk categories, most will never get breast cancer. Meanwhile others may get it even without any known risk factors. Even though this randomness plays a big part, preventative awareness matters. 

Here are 9 known risk factors for breast cancer: 

Genetic mutations: Women who have inherited changes to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are at higher risk of breast cancer.

Reproductive history: Starting menstrual periods early (before age 12) or starting menopause late (after 55) exposes women to hormones longer, raising their risk of getting breast cancer.

Personal history: Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to get it a second time. 

Family history: The risk for breast cancer is higher if there are first-degree relatives, male or female, who have had the disease. 

Previous treatment using radiation therapy: Women who have had radiation therapy to the chest or breasts before age 30 have a higher risk of getting breast cancer later in life.

Not being physically active: Women who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. Regular exercise is an advantage in many areas, including this one. 

Being overweight or having obesity after menopause: Older women who are overweight or have obesity have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

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: Studies show that using even small amounts of alcohol increases the risk of getting breast cancer. 

Source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, www.cdc.gov