Breast cancer, a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast, is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Although it's not completely preventable, understanding the risk factors can help guide decision-making around screening strategies and lifestyle choices. This article explores seven common risk factors for breast cancer.
Age
Age is the most significant risk factor for breast cancer. The risk increases as a woman gets older. Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women aged 55 and older. This is because as we age, our cells naturally age too, making them more prone to genetic mutations that can result in cancer.
Family History
A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is higher if a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) has been diagnosed with this disease. Particularly, women who have two or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer are about 5 times more likely to develop the disease.
Gene Mutations
Certain inherited gene mutations significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. The most common are mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women with these mutations have up to an 85% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast Density
Women with dense breasts—high proportion of glandular and fibrous tissue compared to fatty tissue—are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. However, dense breasts can also make it harder to detect breast cancer on mammograms.
Personal History of Breast Conditions
Women who have had certain breast conditions may have an increased risk of breast cancer. This includes women who have had atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), or those who have had breast cancer in one breast.
Hormonal Factors
Certain hormonal factors can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. These include early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), having a first child at an older age, or never having given birth.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of breast cancer. These include being overweight (especially after menopause), not being physically active, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, long-term use of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and exposure to radiation can increase the risk.