July 31, 2013
Research for an exact cause of breast cancer has been conducted for many years with no concrete answer found. However, researchers have been able to identify with several risk factors that increase your chances of developing breast cancer.
- Age: getting older increases risk
- Being Female
- Inherited Genetic Mutation: BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- Family History
- Breast density on a mammogram
- Radiation exposure or treatment
- Childbearing: age of first birth and number of children
- Estrogen levels
- Age of first period/age of menopause
- Body weight/weight gain
- Birth control use
- Bone density
- Exercise
- Alcohol intake
There are many more known risk factors and others that are being researched now. As always, talk to your health care provider to discuss your personal risk.
