Risk Factors

• Risk Factors That Can't Be Controlled
  • Age over 60.
  • Beginning menstruation before age 12
  • Beginning menopause after age 55
  • Never giving birth
  • Older age when first giving birth
  • Family history of breast cancer (especially mother, sister or daughter)
  • Genetic changes, especially in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes.
  • Radiation treatment of the chest or breast
  • Dense breast tissue
  • Caucasian race
  • Breast disease or previous breast cancer

• Controllable Risk Factors
  • Taking estrogen or progesterone
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Obesity after menopause
  • Not getting enough exercise or physical activity