Breast Cancer Risk Factors
It’s important to be aware of your breast cancer risk factors so you can take steps to minimize your risk.
These risk factors include:
- Race or ethnicity – White people have a slightly increased risk than Black people
- Age – Most people with invasive cancer are older than age 55.
- History of breast cancer – Having had breast cancer increases your risk for future cancer
- Family history of breast cancer – Having a parent, sibling or child with breast cancer increases your risk
- Benign breast disease – Having certain benign breast conditions increases your risk
- Early menstrual periods – Women whose periods began before age 12 have a slightly higher risk
- Late menopause – Women who begin menopause after age 55 are at a slightly higher risk
- Dense breast tissue – Women with dense breast tissue are at increased risk.
- Drinking alcohol – The more you drink, the higher your risk
- Gene mutations – Certain inherited changes in genes are another risk factor
If you have any of these risk factors, talk with your doctor to see if they recommend a screening mammogram before age 40.