Risk Factors

The following are major risks of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Gender

• While men can develop breast cancer, the disease is 100 times more common in women.

Age

• 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers occur in women age 55 or older.

Family & Personal History

• Studies have shown that women with close blood relatives with breast cancer are at higher risk.
• A woman who has already had breast cancer is also at higher risk of developing a new cancer.
• The Saint Joseph Genetics & Risk Assessment Center offers genetic counseling and genetic testing. Click here to learn more.

Other Factors

• Dense breast tissue.
• Menstrual periods at an early age or menopause at a later age.
• Lifestyle factors, just as obesity, alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity, has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.

Talk to your physician about how you can lower your risk of breast cancer. If you need a primary care physician, click here or call our Physician Referral line at (866) 757-6248.

Click here to email your question about breast cancer or request more information.