Many factors increase breast cancer risk modestly or only slightly (such as usual hyperplasia or age at menopause). However, there are a few factors that put women at very high risk of breast cancer. Each of these factors alone can greatly increase the risk of breast cancer:

• Mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
• Very strong family history of breast cancer such as parent and/or sibling diagnosed at age 40 or younger.
• Personal history of breast cancer (including DCIS), LCIS or atypical hyperplasia.
• Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation (to the chest) in childhood or young adulthood.

Some risk factors for breast cancer increase women's risk only a modest amount. Having more than one of these factors however, can put a woman at higher risk. Learn more about estimating breast cancer risk.

Women with a higher breast cancer risk have options to lower their risk. These include getting screening tests earlier and more often, having preventive surgery and/or taking a risk-lowering drug, like tamoxifen or raloxifene. Such decisions should be made after talking with a health care provider.

Updated 11/10/09

Testing for BRCA Mutations	More Frequent or Earlier Screening
	Preventive Surgery
	Risk-Lowering Drugs