Breast cancer risk isn’t determined by any one thing. A combination of factors—including age, genetics, family history, breast density and lifestyle—can influence a person’s risk over time.
Some of these factors are outside of your control. Others may be things you can change. Understanding both can help you make informed decisions about your health and have a more productive conversation with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and recommended screening.
Risk Factors You Can’t Control
Getting older
Age is one of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer. Breast cancer can occur at any age, but risk increases as you get older. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
Your family history
Having a mother, sister or daughter who has had breast cancer may increase your risk. Your family history on both your mother's and father's sides matters, and a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer in a male relative can also be important.
If breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family—particularly if relatives were diagnosed at younger ages—talk with your healthcare provider about whether genetic counseling or testing may be appropriate.
Inherited genetic changes
Inherited changes in certain genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, can significantly increase breast cancer risk. However, these inherited genetic changes account for only a portion of breast cancers.
Having dense breasts
Breast density describes the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared with fatty tissue in the breasts. Having dense breasts is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer and can also make cancer more difficult to see on a mammogram.
Your mammogram report will include information about your breast density. If you have dense breasts, talk with your healthcare provider about what that means for you and whether additional breast imaging may be appropriate.
Your personal breast health history
Having previously had breast cancer or certain noncancerous breast conditions can increase your future risk. Previous radiation therapy to the chest or breast area, particularly at a young age, can also increase risk.
Risk Factors You May Be Able to Influence
You can't eliminate your risk of breast cancer entirely, but there are healthy choices that may help lower it.
Physical activity
Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. You don't need to make every workout intense—walking and other forms of regular movement can contribute to an active lifestyle.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption increases breast cancer risk, and risk generally increases with the amount consumed. Choosing not to drink or reducing how much you drink can help lower your risk.
Weight after menopause
Having overweight or obesity after menopause is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The relationship between weight and breast cancer is complex and differs before and after menopause, so individual health goals are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Certain hormone medications
Some forms of menopausal hormone therapy and certain hormonal contraceptives may affect breast cancer risk. That doesn't mean you should stop a prescribed medication. Instead, discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider based on your personal and family history.
Knowing Your Risk Is a Starting Point
Having one—or even several—risk factors does not mean you will develop breast cancer. Likewise, someone without obvious risk factors can still develop the disease.
That's why understanding your individual risk and following an appropriate screening plan are both important.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your family history, breast density, lifestyle and other factors that may affect your risk. Together, you can determine which screenings and preventive steps make sense for you.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, make knowing your risk part of taking care of your breast health.
Learn more about breast health and mammography services at Thorek Memorial Hospital.