Education For Healthy Life

The following factors may raise a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer:
Age.
The risk of developing breast cancer increases as a woman ages, with most cases developing in women over 50.
Race and ethnicity.
Although white women are more likely to develop breast cancer, black women are more likely to die from the disease. Reasons for survival differences are unclear and probably involve both socioeconomic and biologic factors.
Personal history of breast cancer.
A woman who has had breast cancer in one breast has a 1% to 2% chance per year of developing a second breast cancer in her opposite breast.
Family history of breast cancer.
Women who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer are at increased risk for the disease. More than one first-degree relative with breast cancer elevates that risk, especially if the cancer occurred before menopause.
Women who have a second-degree relative (aunt, niece, grandmother, granddaughter) diagnosed with breast cancer also have a higher risk of breast cancer. The father’s (paternal) side of the family should also be considered equally to the mother’s (maternal) side when evaluating a family history. For example, you may be at higher risk if your father’s sister or mother had breast cancer.
Genetic predisposition.
Mutations to the breast cancer genes 1 or 2 (BRCA1 or BRCA2) are associated with increased breast cancer risk. Blood tests are available to test for known mutations to these genes, but are not recommended for everyone and only after a person has received appropriate genetic counseling. Men in families may also carry these gene mutations. Breast cancer in male family members significantly increases the risk of having a family breast cancer gene. Researchers estimate that breast cancers due to inherited genes with high risk for developing cancer make up only 5% to 10% of all breast cancers. If a woman learns she has these genetic mutations, there are steps she can take to lower her risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Learn more about the genetics of breast cancer, genetic testing, and genetic counseling at
www.cancer.net/genetics.
Atypical hyperplasia of the breast.
This condition increases the risk of breast cancer and is characterized by abnormal, but not cancerous, cells found in a breast biopsy.
Lifestyle factors. As with other types of cancer, studies continue to show that various lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of breast cancer.
Radiation. 
 High doses of radiation may increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.