Slightly higher risk
- Distant family history. This refers to breast cancer in more distant
relatives such as aunts, grandmothers, and cousins.
- Large cysts in the breast. Large cysts increase your risk,
especially if accompanied by early atypical hyperplasia (abnormal cell
changes in the breast). A previous breast biopsy result of atypical
hyperplasia increases a woman’s breast cancer risk by four to five times.
- Age at childbirth. Having your first child after age 30 or never
having children puts you at higher risk.
- Early menstruation. Yourrisk increases if you got your
period before age 12.
- Late menopause. If you begin menopause after age 55, your risk
increases.
- Weight. Being overweight (especially in the upper body), with excess
caloric and fat intake, increases your risk, especially after menopause.
- Excessive radiation. This is especially true for women who were
given radiation for postpartum mastitis, received prolonged fluoroscopic
X-rays for tuberculosis, or who were exposed to a large amount of radiation
before age 30 (usually as a treatment for cancers such as lymphoma or
Hodgkin’s disease).
- Other cancer in the family. A family history of cancer of the
ovaries, cervix, uterus, or colon increases your risk.
- Heritage. Female descendents of Eastern and Central European Jews
(Ashkenazi) are at increased risk.
- Race. Breast cancer occurs more frequently in Caucasian women than
in Hispanic, Asian, or African-American women.
- Alcohol. The use of alcohol is linked to increased risk of
developing breast cancer. Compared with nondrinkers, women who consume one
alcoholic drink a day have a 10% increase in risk, and those who have two or
three drinks daily have about 20% to 30% higher risk than women who drink no
alcohol. Alcohol is also known to increase the risk of developing cancers of
the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
- Hormone replacement therapy. Combination estrogen-progestin hormones
taken during menopause increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer
by 26%. This risk increases with longer use of hormones.
Low risk
- Pregnancy before age 18
- Early onset of menopause
- Surgical removal of the ovaries before age 40
Factors not related to breast cancer
- Fibrocystic breast changes
- Multiple pregnancies
- Coffee or caffeine intake
- Antiperspirants
- Underwire bras
- Abortion
- Breast implants
There are other factors that may affect your risk for breast
cancer, but medical research has not yet determined the exact role they play.
One of these is long-term use of birth control pills. Scientists are also
investigating whether smoking, high-fat diets, lack of exercise, and
environmental pollution increase breast cancer risk.
How can I protect myself from breast cancer?
- Get a mammogram:
- Baseline mammogram at age 35
- First mammogram by age 40
- Ages 40 and over: every year
- Examine your breasts each month.
- Have your breasts examined by a health care provider at least once a
year.
Where can I learn more?
NCI Cancer Information Hotline
800.422.6237 (800.4.CANCER)
TTY: 800.332.8615
www.cancer.gov
American Cancer Society
800.ACS.2345 (800.227.2345)
TTY: 866.228.4327
www.cancer.org
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250
Dallas, Texas 75244
972.855.1600
Fax: 972.855.1605
Helpline: 800.I'M AWARE® (800.462.9273)
www.komen.org