Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Control
While regular screenings are essential, understanding the various risk factors for breast cancer can help you to make informed decisions about your health.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors (things you can’t change)
Some risk factors are beyond our control but knowing them can help guide important health decisions.
Age
As we age, cells change in several ways, which can lead to cancer. Breast cancer can develop at any age, although most people are over 50 at the time of diagnosis. However, a recent study by the American Cancer Society found a 1.4% annual increase in breast cancer diagnoses among women under 50 between 2012 and 2021.
Early-onset breast cancer, diagnosed between ages 18 and 45, may be more advanced when found in younger individuals, as routine screenings typically begin at age 40 or older.
Genetics
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes, present in everyone, that produce proteins to help repair damaged DNA. Everyone has two of these genes, one passed down from each parent. Unfortunately, some people inherit harmful changes in one of these genes that can increase their risk for several cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer.
While these harmful changes can be inherited, they can also arise later in life.
Hormonal Factors
Reaching menopause (the natural process that ends a woman’s periods and ability to get pregnant) after age 55 increases a woman’s breast cancer risk. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, estrogen stimulates the breast tissue. So, the more menstrual periods a woman has, the longer these tissues are exposed to estrogen, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormonal replacement therapies (HRT) are medications that provide additional hormones meant to reduce pre- or post-menopausal symptoms.
HRTs are made of estrogen and progestin. Progestin is a synthetic version of progesterone, a naturally occurring reproductive hormone everyone has.
Family History
A family history of breast cancer is significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. In fact, 13-19% of breast cancer patients report a first-degree relative with the same condition.
Regardless of age, those with a family history are at a higher risk of diagnosis.
Additional Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
- Race/ethnicity
- Reproductive history
- Density of breast tissue
- Personal history of breast cancer and benign breast diseases
- Previous radiation therapy
Controllable Risk Factors (things you can change)
While some factors are out of our hands, certain lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Lifestyle Choices
Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, and keeping a healthy weight can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Poor eating habits, excessive consumption of trans fats, and irregular working hours disrupt the body’s physiological processes, raising cancer risk.
Physical Activity
Research has found that women with a history of breast cancer who engaged in 2-3 hours of brisk walking per week, along with additional aerobic exercises (jogging, hiking, swimming, etc.), had a significantly lower chance of recurrence compared to inactive women.
Consumption of Processed Foods/Diet
Unhealthy eating habits—such as consuming high-fat dairy products, processed meat, refined grains, and sugary drinks—increase cancer risk.
A diet high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein is associated with a lowered risk of breast cancer.
Your Path to Prevention
While some factors, like age and genetics, are beyond your control, adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying physically active, and making mindful choices can help reduce your risk.
Don’t be afraid to discuss the risks of certain hormone therapies with your healthcare provider, especially when managing menopausal symptoms. By staying informed and educated on breast cancer risks and symptoms, you can begin to take meaningful steps toward protecting your health and well-being.
Haven’t had your annual mammogram yet? Schedule your well-woman exam with your NOAH provider today, and we’ll help you get a referral to book your appointment.
