Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Risk Reduction
Your breast health journey starts with knowledge. Whether you’re concerned about your risk of breast cancer, have a history of breast cancer or other cancers in your family, or are curious about genetic testing, the first step is learning more about risk.
Everyone is at risk of breast cancer. Some of us are at a higher risk than others. Learning about your breast cancer risk can help you make important breast care decisions and take charge of your health.
Use these links to jump to the topics below.
Learn About Your Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Watch our video that gives an overview of breast cancer risk factors.
What is a risk factor?
A risk factor is anything linked to a person’s chance of getting breast cancer.
Explore risk factors
Our Breast Cancer Risk Factors Table lists factors linked – or not linked – to breast cancer. It also lists many factors under study. Factors are grouped based on the strength of the scientific evidence.
Find our Breast Cancer Risk Factors Table.
Factors linked to an increased risk
Being born female and getting older are the main risk factors for breast cancer. Being overweight or obese after menopause, drinking alcohol and taking menopausal hormone therapy pills are all linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Smoking may also be linked to an increased risk.
Learn more about factors linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Factors linked to a decreased risk
Some factors, such as breastfeeding and exercising, are linked to a decreased risk of breast cancer. Eating fruits and vegetables may also be linked to a decreased risk of breast cancer.
Learn more about factors linked to a decreased risk of breast cancer.
Factors under study
Other factors, such as dairy products, fertility drugs, hair dyes and stress, are currently under study.
Learn more about factors under study for breast cancer risk.
Factors not linked to an increased risk
Well-studied factors not linked to an increased breast cancer risk include breast implants, caffeine and deodorant.
Learn more about factors not linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Estimating breast cancer risk
One way your doctor may estimate your breast cancer risk using a tool such as the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool or IBIS (the Tyrer-Cuzick model). Then together, you can make decisions about when and how often to get screened.
Learn more about estimating breast cancer risk.
Watch our video of Komen grantee Dr. Tarah Ballinger who shares why it’s important to know if you’re at higher risk of breast cancer.
Eunice’s Story: Breast Cancer Can Happen to Anyone
Eunice Nakamura was surprised when she received a stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis because she had always prioritized wellness and wellbeing and had no family history of breast cancer.
Read NowNext Steps to Take Charge of Your Breast Health
Talk with your family
Talk with your family about your family health history. This information can help you talk with your doctor about your breast cancer risk. The Family Health History Tool makes it easy for you to gather, record and share your family’s health information.
Learn more about family health history and breast cancer risk.
Talk with your doctor
Talk with your doctor and discuss any concerns you have about your breast cancer risk and what to do next. You can ask questions like:
- How can I find out if I’m at higher risk of breast cancer? How accurate are the methods? How will this information help me?
- How do I find out if I have dense breasts? How does having dense breasts affect my risk of breast cancer?
- Based on my risk of breast cancer, what breast cancer screening tests should I have? When should I start? How often should I get screened?
Learn more about talking with your doctor about breast cancer risk.
If you’re at higher risk of breast cancer…
If you’re at higher risk of breast cancer, talk with your doctor about a screening plan that’s right for you. You may need to be screened earlier and more often than other women.
If a family member has an inherited gene mutation related to breast cancer, talk with your doctor about whether you should consider genetic counseling and genetic testing. If genetic test results show you have an inherited gene mutation, you may have questions about options to reduce your risk, such as:
- Should I take a risk-reducing drug? What are the benefits and risks for me?
- What about risk-reducing surgery?
- Are there clinical trials enrolling people at high risk of breast cancer? If so, how can I learn more?
Listen to our Real Pink podcast, You’re Never Fully Prepared for Breast Cancer.
Learn more about:
Breast Cancer and My Family History
Carolyn Cofield only learned her mother had breast cancer two months before she passed away. Six months later, Carolyn was also diagnosed and encouraged her daughter to get genetic testing.
Read NowSusan G. Komen® Support Resources |
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Komen Patient Care Center Podcast Breast Cancer 101 Comprehensive Learning Guide Educational Resources |
Susan G. Komen Breast Self-Awareness Messages
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. You may need to be screened earlier and more often than other women.
- 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 does not 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.
