While the exact causes of breast cancer remain unknown, certain risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee a diagnosis, and many individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors at all.
Understanding your risk can help you and your care team take steps for prevention, early detection and peace of mind.
Risk factors that cannot be changed
Some risk factors, called non-modifiable risk factors, are out of your control. Still, it is important to know about them so you and your provider can create a screening plan that takes them into consideration:
- Gender: Breast cancer is far more common in women. Fewer than 1% of cases are found in men.
- Age: Most breast cancers are found in people over 50.
- Family history: Having a close relative (like a parent, sibling or child) with breast or ovarian cancer raises your risk.
- Genetics: Inherited mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase risk.
- Personal medical history: A history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue or prior chest radiation can raise your risk.
- Race and ethnicity: Black women may be more likely to develop aggressive breast cancers at younger ages compared to white women.
- Hormones and reproductive history: Starting menstruation early (before age 12) or entering menopause late may raise your risk.
- Previous radiation therapy: Receiving chest radiation in childhood or early adulthood can increase risk. Although the benefits far outweigh the risks.
- Environmental exposure: Past exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a drug once used during pregnancy, may increase risk.
Risk factors that can be changed
Some risk factors, called modifiable risk factors, are connected to your lifestyle or environment. You may be able to change them:
- Weight and obesity: Being overweight, especially after menopause, may raise your risk.
- Physical inactivity: Having a low activity level is linked with higher risk.
- Poor diet: A diet high in saturated fats or sugar may increase risk.
- Alcohol use: Drinking alcohol is linked with higher risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use raises your risk.
- Reproductive history: Having your first child after age 30 or never having children may raise your risk.
- Hormones: Using hormone replacement therapy after menopause or using oral contraceptives could increase your risk.
Risk factors for men
Breast cancer in men is rare. Some of the risk factors for men are the same as for women. These factors can increase risk in men:
- Family history: About one out of five men with breast cancer has a close relative with the disease. The risk of breast cancer is doubled for men who have a parent, sibling or child with the disease.
- Inherited gene mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA2, are linked to male breast cancer.
- Klinefelter syndrome: This genetic condition causes higher estrogen levels.
- Liver disease: Severe liver disease may affect hormone levels, causing lower levels of androgens and higher levels of estrogen.
- Estrogen treatment: Estrogen used for prostate cancer or gender-affirming care may slightly increase risk.
Myths and factors with no proven link
Research has found no evidence that these increase breast cancer risk:
- Caffeine
- Deodorants or antiperspirants
- Microwaves
- Cell phones
- Being around someone with breast cancer
Genetic testing and counseling
Genetic testing can help show if you have genetic factors that increase your risk for breast cancer. You may want to consider genetic testing if you have:
- A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- More than one relative with breast or ovarian cancer
- A relative diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age
Genetic counseling can help you weigh the pros and cons of genetic testing. At Banner MD Anderson, our genetic counselors:
- Review your family and personal history
- Explain the benefits and limits of testing
- Help you decide if testing is right for you
Offer personalized prevention and early detection strategies
Can breast cancer be prevented?
You can’t control all breast cancer risk factors but you can lower your risk with healthy habits:
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole foods
- Limit alcohol
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco
- Be aware of changes in your breasts and report concerns to your doctor
- Follow your doctor’s health screening guidelines
- Get a breast cancer screening exam from your doctor. If you’re at increased risk, there may be medications you can take.
- Talk with your doctor about your use of oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
- If you’re at very high risk, talk to your provider about medications or preventive surgery
Screening recommendations
Screening is one of the best ways to catch breast cancer early. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk and the best screening schedule for you.
- Age 25: Ask your doctor for a breast cancer risk assessment to determine if you are at average or increased risk. This assessment should be done no later than age 30.
- Age 25 to 39: Get a clinical breast exam every one to three years.
- Age 40 and older: Get a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year
- Women at higher risk may need earlier mammograms or additional screening with ultrasound, 3D mammography or breast MRI.
Prevention and screening at Banner MD Anderson
At Banner MD Anderson, we know how important it is to lower breast cancer risk and to take action based on your risk. We offer:
- A high-risk breast cancer clinic to monitor and manage your risk
- Advanced imaging technology for accurately detecting breast cancer
- Personalized prevention plans, including genetic counseling, lifestyle support and screening schedules tailored to you
Next steps
Learn more about breast cancer.
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