Breast Cancer & Your Risk

Factors that may increase risk
Start by understanding which breast cancer risk factors have been linked to an increased risk for breast cancer. Being born female is the most common risk factor for breast cancer. Although men can get breast cancer, it’s about 100 times more common in women. Age is another common risk factor. As you get older, you are more likely to get breast cancer. 

Factors that may decrease risk
Some factors may even decrease the risk of breast cancer, such as breastfeeding and avoiding menopausal hormones. Being physically active, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol may also decrease your risk. Also, eating fruits and vegetables and not smoking are not only good for your overall health, but may also lower your risk of breast cancer. 

Risk factors under study
Other breast cancer risk factors, such as anti-depressant use, fertility drugs, parabens and stress, are currently under study. Findings to date are not strong enough to say whether these factors are truly related to breast cancer; more research is needed.  

Factors not linked to risk
Factors not linked to breast cancer risk include having breast implants and consuming caffeine.  

Explore risk factors
Our Breast Cancer Risk Factors Table lists factors linked – or not linked in some cases – to breast cancer. It also lists many factors under study. Factors are grouped based on the strength of evidence.  

Use this tool to learn more
You can also learn more about your risk of breast cancer by using the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.  

Talk to your family
Talking to your family about your family health history can provide important information about your breast cancer risk factors. The Family Health History Tool makes it easy for you to gather, record and share your family’s health information.  You can use this information to talk with your doctor. 

Talk to your doctor
Talk with your doctor to 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 my 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? What breast cancer screening tests should I have? 
• What’s the best way to manage my menopausal symptoms? Is menopausal hormone therapy a safe way to manage them? Are there other options I should consider? 
• What breast cancer screening tests should I have? When should I start? How often should I get screened? 

If you are at a higher risk of breast cancer…
If you’re at higher risk of breast cancer, talk with your doctor about a screening plan that’s best for you. You may need to be screened earlier and more often than other women. Talk with your doctor about whether you should consider genetic counseling and testing. If genetic test results show you or a family member have an inherited gene mutation, you may have questions about risk-lowering options, such as: 

• Should I take a risk-lowering drug (such as tamoxifen)? What are the benefits and risks for me? 
• What about prophylactic mastectomy or prophylactic oophorectomy? 
• Are there clinical trials enrolling people at high risk of breast cancer? If so, how can I learn more?