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A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop breast cancer with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing breast cancer. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Gender
Breast cancer is found predominantly in women and is the most common form of cancer in American women. However, men can develop breast cancer , as well.
Although there is great emphasis on risk factors for developing breast cancer, a great many cases occur in patients with no known risk factors.
Genetic Factors
Women who have a family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, or daughter) have a higher risk factor of developing breast cancer. However, a lack of family history does not protect you from developing breast cancer; approximately 90%-95% of women who develop breast cancer have no family history of this disease.
Additionally, having a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes increases your risk.
Age
The chance of developing breast cancer increases with age; three out of four cases occur in women over age 50. However, it is never safe to say that “you are too young to get breast cancer.”
Medical Condition
The following medical conditions have been found to increase the risk of developing breast cancer:
Specific Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors that increase breast cancer risk include:
Ethnic Background
In the US, Caucasian, Hawaiian, and African-American women have the highest rates of breast cancer. The lowest rates occur among Korean, American Indian, and Vietnamese women.
References:
Breast cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov . Accessed January 27, 2006.
Breast cancer. Womens' Health.gov website. Available at: http://www.4woman.gov. Accessed January 27, 2006.
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/. Accessed January 31, 2006.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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