General Factors:
The most important risk factor in breast cancer is age. Other factors include sex, inherited genetic mutations (in BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes), personal or family history of breast cancer, high breast tissue density, biopsy-confirmed hyperplasia, high-dose radiation to the chest as a result of medical procedures.
Physical Factors:
There are several physical factors that can contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer. Among these are reproductive history, menstrual history (menstrual cycle that starts early and/or end late in life), never having children, use of oral contraceptive, late child-birthing (having first child after age 30).
Obesity:
- Overweight or obesity after menopause
- Adversely affects survival for postmenopausal women with breast cancer
- Physical Inactivity
- Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
Social Factors:
- Alcohol consumption
- Alcohol consumption of one or more beverages per day
- Environmental influences
- Genetically engendered food