Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Bone Density

Many studies have shown women with high bone density have an increased risk of breast cancer [108-112].

A meta-analysis that combined the results of 10 studies found women with high bone density had about a 60% to 80% higher risk of breast cancer compared to women with low bone density [112].

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Why might high bone density increase breast cancer risk?

Having strong bones does not increase breast cancer risk.

Rather, high bone density is a marker for estrogen levels in the body. The more estrogen a woman produces in her lifetime, the more bone mass she has. These higher estrogen levels are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer [22].

Learn more about estrogen and breast cancer risk.

Bone density and osteoporosis

Although women with high bone density have a higher risk of breast cancer compared to other women, they have a lower risk of osteoporosis [113]. Osteoporosis is a loss of bone mass and bone density. It causes bones to become fragile.

1. Know your risk

Talk with both sides of your family to learn about your family health history.
Talk with a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer.

2. Get screened

Talk with a health care provider about which screening tests are right for you if you’re at higher risk.
Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you’re at average risk.*
Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 25, and every year starting at age 40.*

* Per National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines

3. Know what is normal for you

See a health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:

Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

To see illustrations of these warning signs, please visit the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer page.

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

Maintain a healthy weight.
Make exercise part of your routine.
Limit alcohol intake.
Limit menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use).
Breastfeed if you can.

Updated 12/17/24

This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.

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