Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the breast cells. It is also one of the most common types of cancer to affect women in the country. However, it can occur in both men and women. Knowing about the common risk factors for breast cancer can help one lower the risk.

Read this article to learn more about these risk factors.

Genetic risk factors

1. Age
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. When one crosses the age of 50, annual screenings are advised to help with early detection.

2. Genes
Sometimes, women inherit gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women with these genes have a higher risk of breast cancer.

3. Hormones
Girls who get their period before the age of 12, and women who experience menopause after 55 are exposed to hormones that can increase their risk of breast cancer even more.

4. Dense breasts
When women have more connective tissue in their breasts than fatty tissue, they are known to have dense breasts. It can sometimes make it difficult for the tumor to show up on a mammogram. Such women have a greater risk of breast cancer.

5. Recurrence risk
Women who have had breast cancer once are at a greater risk of getting it the second time.

6. Family history
A woman’s risk of getting breast cancer increases if their mother, daughter, or any other first-degree relative on either of their parent’s side has a family history of breast cancer. Even a first-degree male relative can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer significantly.

7. Radiation therapy
Women who have undergone radiation therapy before the age of 30 are also at a greater risk of getting breast cancer later in life.

Lifestyle risk factors

1. Sedentary lifestyle
Women who do not follow a physically active life have a greater risk of getting breast cancer.

2. Obesity or overweight
Being overweight can expose many risks, such as breast cancer, especially if one does not maintain normal body weight after the age of 50.

3. Hormone-replacement therapy
Some hormone replacement therapies, especially ones that include estrogen and progesterone taken during menopause, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Oral contraceptives can elevate that risk, too.

4. Alcohol consumption
Women who regularly consume alcohol are at a greater risk of breast cancer.

5. Other lifestyle factors
According to research, other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and drinking, can bring a change in the hormones that may also contribute as a risk factor.

The treatment for breast cancer would depend on the stage of the condition. Therefore, knowing about these common risk factors for breast cancer can help in early detection and timely treatment.