Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
A risk factor is anything that makes it more likely that you will get a disease. Many risk factors for breast cancer are beyond a person’s control and most women with breast cancer have no known risk factors other than that they are female.
Older caucasion women (over the age of 60) have the highest risk of developing the disease.
A personal or family history of breast cancer increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Inherited genes (BRCA1 and BRCA1) can also increase the risk of developing breast and other cancers. Exposure to radiation also increases a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Beginning your period at a younger age (before age 12) or beginning menopause at an older age (after age 55) increases a person’s risk. Also having your first child at an older age (over age 35) increases a person’s risk.
Other factors contributing to breast cancer can be controlled. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, limiting alcohol intake, and eating a healthy low fat diet can reduce a woman’s risk.