What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

For every disease there are some risk factors it is same with breast cancer. There are some risk factors which are not under the control of a person and some risk factors are those which depend on the life style of a person.

First I want to write about the factors which cannot be changed, if you are a woman your risk of getting breast cancer is automatically increased. Women are at a greater risk of getting breast cancer as the breast cells are persistently exposed to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Men can also suffer from breast cancer but breast cancer in men is a very rare case.

Women who have relatives with breast cancer are also at a greater risk of developing the cancer themselves. This risk increases with first-degree relatives like a mother, sister, or daughter. A male relative with prostate cancer also increases the risk of developing breast cancer. If a mother and sister both have breast cancer then the risk is increased.

A history of breast cancer also leaves women at a greater risk of developing the same cancer. This happens when the cancer cells spread to the lymph glands. There is a great risk that the cancer will develop in the opposite breast. When breast conservation therapy is used as treatment for the cancer, there is a risk of cancer redeveloping in the same breast.

Higher alcohol consumption increases a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. Studies show that a person who drinks alcoholic beverages three or more times a day doubles her risk of breast cancer. By limiting alcohol consumption, a person will also lower her risk of developing breast cancer.

Overweight individuals have higher risks of breast cancer than normal weight individuals. The risk usually increases especially for women after menopause. Restoring back to a normal weight by eating healthy foods and engaging in worthwhile healthy activities and exercise routine will usually lower the risk.