Risk factors

These factors are connected to the biology and genetics of individual women, but also to their personal environment and lifestyle. 

A woman exposed to risk factors has a higher chance of developing breast cancer (has increased risk).
Avoiding cancer-associated behaviors or environments can reduce the risk of the disease, but most risk factors cannot be controlled. 

Bellow is a list of all known risk factors for breast cancer, divided into major (effect) and minor factors:

Major risk factors:

• Gender
• Age (risk increases after 50)
• Personal history of breast cancer 
• Genetic predisposition  
• History of benign changes in the breast 
• Exposure to radiation
• Familial history of breast cancer

Minor risk factors:

• Late menopause (after 55)
• Being overweight or obese after menopause 
• Hormonal replacement therapies
• Late or no pregnancy 
• Drinking alcohol 

Protective factors:

• Late menarche (first menstrual period)
• Breastfeeding
• Physical activity

Learn more about your risk of developing the disease on Am I at risk?