Breast Cancer Risk Factors

It is not possible to say exactly why some people develop breast cancer. It is likely due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. This video explains what increases risk, what you can control - and why having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get cancer. Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop breast cancer. It means your chance of developing it is higher than average. Many women with risk factors never develop breast cancer. And some women with no known risk factors do. Risk is about probability, not certainty. Age is the biggest risk factor - Your risk of breast cancer increases as you get older, with most breast cancers occur in women over fifty. This is why the NHS breast screening programme invites women between fifty and seventy for regular mammograms. Family history can also affect your risk. If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has had breast or ovarian cancer, your risk may be higher. This is especially true if they were diagnosed at a young age. Hormonal factors play a role too. Starting your periods early - or going through menopause late - increases exposure to oestrogen over your lifetime. Not having children, or having them later in life, can also slightly increase risk. While breastfeeding may offer some protection. Taking hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, can increase breast cancer risk. Combined HRT, which contains both oestrogen and progesterone, carries a higher risk than oestrogen-only HRT. After you stop taking it, the risk gradually reduces over time. If you are considering HRT, please discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. The contraceptive pill may slightly increase risk while you are taking it - However, this increase is small. For most women, the benefits of contraception outweigh this small risk - and your risk returns to normal within a few years of stopping the pill. Lifestyle factors matter too - for example, being overweight after the menopause increases breast cancer risk. Drinking alcohol regularly also raises risk - with the more you drink, the greater your risk. Smoking is another factor that may contribute. But all of these are things that you can do something about. The good news is that around a quarter of all breast cancers in the UK could be prevented through lifestyle changes. Eating a balanced diet - and maintaining a healthy weight help. Keeping physically active and limiting alcohol can also reduce your risk. If you have had breast cancer before, your risk of developing a new cancer is higher. Dense breast tissue, which shows up white on mammograms, can also increase risk. Your breast team will consider these factors when planning your follow-up care. Understanding your risk can feel worrying - but, knowledge is also empowering. It's best to focus on what you can control, for example attending your screening appointments; Checking your breasts regularly; and making healthy choices where you can. Finally, it's important to speak to your GP if you have concerns about your personal risk.