Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in American women. Roughly 13%, or one in eight women, will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. New advancements in detection and treatment have increased breast cancer survival rates, and when caught in its earliest, localized stages, the survival rate is over 99%.
One of the best things you can do for your long-term breast health is to pay attention to your body, be aware of risk factors and schedule breast cancer screenings when concerns arise.
Breast cancer risk factors
Breast cancer is caused by changes in the DNA inside breast cells. These changes cause breast cells to mutate and become cancerous, then divide and multiply, forming a tumor. Certain risk factors can increase the chance of these cells mutating.
Some of the most common breast cancer risk factors include:
- Getting older: Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. Most women aged 55+ are susceptible to breast cancer, though it’s not uncommon for younger adults to develop breast cancer.
- Genetic mutations: About 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary. Inherited mutations to the BRCA 1 and BRCA2 genes will increase your risk of developing both breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Menstrual history: Starting your period earlier than 12 years old or starting menopause after 55 exposes you to hormones longer, which can raise your risk of breast cancer.
- Having dense breast tissue: Breast density is largely determined by genetics, but other factors like age, hormone levels, body weight and a history of being pregnant can also affect your breast density.
- Family history of breast/ovarian cancer: Your risk of developing breast cancer increases if a family member on either your mother or father’s side has had breast cancer. However, less than 15% of women with breast cancer have a history of breast cancer in their family, meaning most women with the disease have no family history of breast cancer at all.
Although these risk factors are outside of your control, knowing your breast cancer risk can help you and your doctor plan for early screenings to accommodate your health history and needs.
Risk factors you can change
While some risk factors like your age, family history and genetic makeup cannot be changed, the following risk factors are within your control:
- Physical inactivity. Not getting enough regular exercise can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends 45-60 minutes of mild to moderate exercise five or more days per week.
- Being overweight or obese. Being overweight, especially after menopause, can increase your risk of breast cancer. After menopause, the ovaries stop making estrogen, and fat tissues become a main source of estrogen production. This extra estrogen may promote the development of cancerous cells in breast tissue.
- Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications. After menopause, many women choose to take hormone replacement therapy medications, such as estrogen or progesterone. When taken for five or more years, HRT medications can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
- Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding or never having a full-term pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), these reproductive history factors can raise your breast cancer risk.
- Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Alcohol raises hormone levels in the body, which can fuel hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that can damage internal tissues. Quitting both substances can reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Paying attention to any changes in your breasts are an important part of early detection. You can do this by doing visual checks in a mirror or physical checks using the pads of your fingers and feeling around your breast.
Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or gynecologist if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- Swelling or thickening in any part of the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin on the nipple or breast
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
Early detection saves lives
Understanding your breast cancer risk is an important step in protecting your long-term health. While some risk factors cannot be changed, knowing your personal risk and making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your chances of developing breast cancer. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors and screening needs so you can take a proactive step toward better breast health.