| Who Is At Risk For Breast Cancer? |
All women are at risk for breast cancer. The majority of those who do get breast cancer have
no known risk factors (traits or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing a disease).
Inherent risk factors can not be changed, but those related to lifestyle can be altered.
Having one or several risk factors does not necessarily mean a woman will get breast cancer.
Every woman has a unique genetic make-up and a complex set of behaviors that interact to
influence her risk for breast cancer.
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no known risk factors (traits or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing a disease).
Inherent risk factors can not be changed, but those related to lifestyle can be altered.
Having one or several risk factors does not necessarily mean a woman will get breast cancer.
Every woman has a unique genetic make-up and a complex set of behaviors that interact to
influence her risk for breast cancer.
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INHERENT RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER:
Age
According to the National Cancer Institute, around 12.7% of women in this country
(1 in 8) will get breast cancer during their lifetime. The risk increases with age, and the
majority of women who get breast cancer (78%) are over the age of 50.
Genetic Make-up
Around 5 to 10% of breast cancer cases are in women with an inherited breast cancer gene
(BRCA1 or BRCA2). Women with an inherited gene have somewhere from a 36% to an 80%
chance of getting breast cancer during their lifetime.
Family History of Breast Cancer
A woman's risk doubles if she has a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer.
Her risk increases five-fold if she has two close relatives who have developed
this disease.
Breast Abnormalities
The noninvasive cancers, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS),
increase a woman's risk for developing invasive breast cancer. Other breast abnormalities,
such as atypical hyperplasia, increase risk to a lesser degree. More about these conditions.
Age at First Menstrual Period
Women who had their first period before the age of 12 have a slightly increased risk.
Child-Bearing History
Women who had no children and those who had their first child after the age of 30 have a
slightly elevated risk.
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Age
According to the National Cancer Institute, around 12.7% of women in this country
(1 in 8) will get breast cancer during their lifetime. The risk increases with age, and the
majority of women who get breast cancer (78%) are over the age of 50.
Genetic Make-up
Around 5 to 10% of breast cancer cases are in women with an inherited breast cancer gene
(BRCA1 or BRCA2). Women with an inherited gene have somewhere from a 36% to an 80%
chance of getting breast cancer during their lifetime.
Family History of Breast Cancer
A woman's risk doubles if she has a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer.
Her risk increases five-fold if she has two close relatives who have developed
this disease.
Breast Abnormalities
The noninvasive cancers, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS),
increase a woman's risk for developing invasive breast cancer. Other breast abnormalities,
such as atypical hyperplasia, increase risk to a lesser degree. More about these conditions.
Age at First Menstrual Period
Women who had their first period before the age of 12 have a slightly increased risk.
Child-Bearing History
Women who had no children and those who had their first child after the age of 30 have a
slightly elevated risk.
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For more information:
National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov
American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov
American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE FOLLOWING INCREASE RISK:
Abortion
Antiperspirants
Underwire Bras
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Abortion
Antiperspirants
Underwire Bras
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LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE BREAST CANCER RISK
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity lowers breast cancer risk.
Weight
Being overweight or obese increases risk in postmenopausal women, especially when the
weight has been gained as an adult. Fat tissue produces estrogen, a hormone known to
promote some breast cancers.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Estrogen stimulates cancer growth.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage each day increases breast cancer risk. Even a
few drinks per week will increase breast cancer risk slightly.
Diet
Eating a diet high in saturated fat and refined grains and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains increases breast cancer risk.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding reduces a woman's risk.
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Physical Activity
Regular physical activity lowers breast cancer risk.
Weight
Being overweight or obese increases risk in postmenopausal women, especially when the
weight has been gained as an adult. Fat tissue produces estrogen, a hormone known to
promote some breast cancers.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Estrogen stimulates cancer growth.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage each day increases breast cancer risk. Even a
few drinks per week will increase breast cancer risk slightly.
Diet
Eating a diet high in saturated fat and refined grains and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains increases breast cancer risk.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding reduces a woman's risk.
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