Types of Cancer > Breast Cancer > Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Risk factors are traits that put people at greater risk of developing breast cancer.

Age
Women are more likely to get breast cancer as they age, with menopausal women most at risk. Eight out of 10 breast cancers occur in women over age 50.

Family History & Genetics
Women with a family history of the disease are at increased risk. About 20 percent of women with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. Women who believe they are at risk would benefit from speaking with a genetic counselor.

Race
White women are slightly more likely to get breast cancer, but African American women are more likely to die of the disease. Asian, Hispanic and American Indian women have a lower risk of getting breast cancer.

Childbearing History
Women who have never had children or had their first child after age 30 are at greater risk. Women who had several children and breastfed their infants are less at risk.

Hormone Replacement Therapy
Some studies show that women who use long-term hormone replacement therapy after menopause may increase their risk for breast cancer and other diseases.