Humana-Military.com

gene mutation listing in a page




Breast Cancer Risk Factors

All women are at risk of developing breast cancer; however, having one or more risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing the disease.

There are different kinds of breast cancer risk factors; many of them, such as age, family history, and race, are beyond our control. There are other risk factors than can be controlled, such as your weight, drinking alcohol, and physical activity. Below are key risk factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer.
  • Age (risk increases with age)
  • Genes (BRCA 1 and BRCA 2)
  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Menstruation before age 12
  • Menopause after age 55
  • Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Use of birth control pills
  • Not having children
  • Having dense breast tissue
  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Excessive use of alcohol
To learn more about how risk factors influence your chance of developing breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society web site.
 
Last Reviewed: June 29, 2011