Understanding Your Risk

Some factors increase your chances of getting breast cancer.

Risk Factors You Cannot Change

• Age – Your risk increases with age. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after 50.
• Genetics – Inherited changes to certain genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Reproductive history – Early periods (before age 12) or late menopause (after 55). First pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding or never being pregnant.
• Dense breasts – Can make tumors harder to see on mammograms.
• Personal or family history – Prior breast cancer, certain noncancerous breast conditions or family members with breast or ovarian cancer.
• Radiation exposure – The risk is higher for women who had radiation therapy to the chest or breasts before age 30.
• DES exposure – Some women whose mothers took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy (1940-1971) may have a higher risk.

Risk Factors You Can Change

• Lack of physical activity
• Being overweight after menopause
• Hormone use (certain birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy) for more than five years
• Drinking alcohol

More possible risks: Smoking, exposure to chemicals that can cause cancer and night-shift work. Night-shift work can cause hormone changes.

Lowering Your Risk

You cannot prevent breast cancer completely, but you can reduce your risk:

• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Breastfeed if possible
• Talk with your health care provider if breast cancer runs in your family

Screening and Early Detection

Screening checks for breast cancer before symptoms appear, giving you the best chance for early treatment. Ask your provider about a breast exam during your annual checkup.

Main Screening Tests

• Mammogram: X-ray of the breast; best for finding cancer early. Recommended every two years for women 40-70. If you’re at higher risk, your provider might recommend more frequent screening.
• Clinical breast exam: Doctor or nurse checks for lumps or changes with their hands.
• Self-exam: Check your own breasts and underarms for lumps and other changes, like shape or size.

Talk with your provider about the best screening options for you and how often you should get screened.

Tips for Mammograms

• Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top
• Schedule when breasts are less tender or sensitive (at least two weeks before or one week after your period)
• Avoid deodorant, powder or lotion on the day of your mammogram
• Bring past results if you go to a new facility; be sure to have your provider’s information handy

Learn how breast cancer is diagnosed and treated: Diagnosis and Treatment