Age - The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman gets older.
About 85 percent of breast cancers occur in women aged 50 and older.
The risk is especially high for women older than age 60.
Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than 35.
Family History - The risk of getting breast cancer increases
for a woman whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives, such as
cousins, have had the disease.
Personal History - Women who have had breast cancer may develop
it again. Women with a history of breast disease (not cancer but a condition that may
predispose them to cancer) and women having so much dense breast tissue on a previous
mammogram that a clear reading is difficult are also at increased risk.
Laboratory evidence that a woman is carrying a specific
genetic mutation or change will also increase her susceptibility to breast cancer.
Other Risk Factors - Other risk factors include having a first
child after age 30, or never having children. Current research is investigating the roles
of obesity, hormone replacement therapy, diet, and alcohol use.
