Risk factors

While the causes of breast cancer are largely unknown, medical researchers have identified a number of risk factors that can increase a woman's chance of developing the disease. It's important to note that risk factors do not cause breast cancer, nor do they predict whether an individual will get the disease. Some women may have many breast cancer risk factors and never get the disease, while others who have no risk factors get the disease. However, understanding your risks for breast cancer will help you actively monitor your breast health to detect potential problems at an early stage.

Age: an increasing risk

Your risk for developing breast cancer increases dramatically with age.

Source: American Cancer Society, 2005

Controllable breast cancer risk factors

• Having more than one drink of alcohol per day
• Taking birth control pills for 5 years or longer
• Not getting regular exercise
• Using some forms of hormone replacement therapy for 10 years or longer
• Being overweight
• Being exposed to large amounts of radiation

Source: American Cancer Society, 2005

Uncontrollable breast cancer risk factors

• Getting older
• Family history of breast cancer
• Having the mutated breast cancer genes BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Starting your period before age 12
• Starting menopause after age 55

Source: American Cancer Society, 2005