Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

A breast cancer risk factor is anything that causes it to be more likely you'll get breast cancer. But having one or perhaps several breast cancer risk factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop breast cancer. Many women who develop breast cancer don't have any known risk factors other than simply being women.

Having particular factors that increase your risk doesn’t imply that you will definitely get breast cancer. Conversely, not having many risk factors doesn’t imply that you won’t. Risk factors simply increase or decrease your chances of developing the disease. So, even though you have a factor that increases your risk and you are identified as having breast cancer, there’s no way of proving the risk factor actually caused it.

Being Overweight

Overweight and obese women possess a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer when compared with women who maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause. Being overweight may also increase the risk of the breast cancer coming back (recurrence) in women who may have had the disease.

Inherited factors

Some inherited genetic mutations may increase your breast cancer risks. Mutations within the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common inherited causes. Other rare mutations could also make some women more susceptible to developing breast cancer. Gene testing reveals the existence of potential genetic problems, particularly in families that have a history of breast cancer.

Alcohol Consumption

Research has shown a causal link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. It has been suggested that alcohol consumers might have higher levels of sex hormones from the disease compared to those who do not consume alcohol.

Dense Breast Tissue

Having dense breast tissue can increase your risk for breast cancer making lumps harder to detect. Several states have passed laws requiring physicians to reveal to women if their mammogram suggests that they have dense breasts so they are aware of this risk. Be sure to ask your physician for those who have dense breasts and what the implications of getting dense breasts are.

Family History and Genetic Factors

If your mother, sister, father or child has been identified as having breast or ovarian cancer, you have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the future. Your risk increases if your relative was diagnosed prior to the age of 50. 

Diet

Although there are many inconclusive studies linking diet with growth and development of breast cancer, a large review of studies implies that a high total fat intake as well as high consumption of saturated fat is associated with increased breast cancer risk. On the other hand, high consumption of phytoestrogens, particularly lignans, which are found in plants, is associated with a reduction of risk. Other foods that have been found to reduce breast cancer risk are soy-based food products and high-fiber foods.

Certain Breast Changes

If you have been diagnosed with certain benign (not cancer) breast conditions, you might have a higher risk of breast cancer. There are several types of benign breast conditions affecting breast cancer risk.