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:
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