Many factors are linked to breast cancer risk. Some of these factors affect risk a great deal and others by only a small amount. Some risk factors you can’t change. Simply being a woman and getting older increase your chances of getting breast cancer. Other factors you may be able to change. For instance, leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Understanding what factors may affect your risk can help you work with your health care provider to develop a breast health plan that is right for you.
Getting regular screening tests increases the chances that if you do develop breast cancer it will be found early when it’s most treatable. For more on screening, see the Early Detection & Screening section.
View the menu of risk factors by category.
Factors that Affect Breast Cancer Risk
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Understanding Risk and Prevention
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| Factors Under Study and Factors that Do Not Increase Breast Cancer Risk |
Topics for People at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer |
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| Summary Tables of Risk Factors |
Other Issues Related to Risk |
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