Are you at Risk for Breast Cancer?

The most well-known and common risk factor for breast cancer is being female. Breast cancer is primarily known as a cancer that affects women. While the majority of people who are diagnosed with this type of cancer are female, it is not isolated to only women. Men have been and are diagnosed with breast cancer, just not as frequently.

Your age also plays a factor in how likely you are to have breast cancer. Some women are diagnosed in their 40’s but the majority of people diagnosed are over 50 years old. This does not mean if you are in your 20’s or 30’s you cannot have breast cancer. It does mean the likelihood (or chances) are far less when you are younger.

Scientists and doctors have isolated some genes that can point to a likelihood you will develop breast cancer. This means that you have inherited certain genes from your parents that are called mutations and can increase your chances up to 80% that you will develop breast cancer in your lifetime. In the majority of scenarios, you will not know of these genes unless you decide to undergo genetic testing. This may be an option for you if there is a family history of breast cancer.

Two other risk factors for breast cancer are race and if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer already. Caucasian women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer over many other races (African American, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American). It has been noted that they mortality rate is higher in African American women than it is in Caucasian women who have been diagnosed. In addition, if you have been diagnosed with this type of cancer before, you are at an increased risk to do so again. This is not the same cancer returning but a new instance of breast cancer in your body.