The Who, What, Where, When and Sometimes, Why.
Breast Cancer Information > Risk Factors & Risk Reduction

Risk Factors and Risk Reduction

In this section, you’ll get a better understanding of factors that may be linked to your risk of getting breast cancer and what to do if you’re at higher risk.

Risk and Risk Factors

Understanding Risk

Factors Linked to Breast Cancer Risk

Factors Not Linked to an Increased Risk of Breast Cancer

Factors Under Study

Breast Cancer Risk Factors Table

Understanding Risk Reduction

Healthy Lifestyle

Race and Ethnicity

Breast Cancer Risk Among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Questioning/Queer Women and Transgender People

Socioeconomic Status

Diet and Breast Cancer

Early Life Exposures and Breast Cancer Risk

Breast Cancer and the Environment

Estimating Breast Cancer Risk

Emerging Areas in Risk Reduction and Estimating Risk

Questions for Your Health Care Provider about Breast Cancer Risk

Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing to Learn About Breast Cancer Risk

Genetic Counseling for People Who Do Not Have Breast Cancer

Understanding Your Genetic Test Results

Genetic Testing After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

For People at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer

Genetic Testing to Learn About Breast Cancer Risk

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Inherited Gene Mutations in Women

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Inherited Gene Mutations in Men

Inherited Gene Mutations

Risk-Lowering Options for Women at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Screening for Men at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer

 

Human studies

The data in this section come from 2 main types of research studies:

The goal of these studies is to give information that helps support or disprove an idea about a possible link between an exposure (such as alcohol use) and an outcome (such as breast cancer) in people.

Although they have the same goal, observational studies and randomized controlled trials differ in:

  • The way they are conducted
  • The strength of the conclusions they reach

Learn more about different types of research studies.

Animal studies

Animal studies add to our understanding of how and why some factors may be linked to cancer in people.

However, there are many differences between animals and people, so it makes it hard to translate findings directly from one to the other.

Animal studies are also designed differently. They often look at exposures in larger doses and for shorter periods of time than are suitable for people.

While animal studies can lay the groundwork for research in people, we need human studies to draw conclusions for people.

All the data presented within the About Breast Cancer section of this website come from studies of people.

Finding information on risk factors

Susan G. Komen® has up-to-date information on many established, probable and possible risk factors for breast cancer. We also have information on many factors shown not to be related to breast cancer.

Some scientific, reputable organizations conduct research and/or prepare detailed evidence-based summary reports on certain factors shown to have a link (or no link) to breast cancer and other types of cancer. These organizations include:

IARC is a part of the World Health Organization. The CDC, NTP and FDA are all part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

Updated 03/23/22

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