Q: What are the risk factors that put a woman at a higher risk for breast cancer?
A: So far, researchers know of more than 20 factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. Some of these risk factors increase risk a great deal. Others increase risk by only a small amount. Yet, while there have been great advances in research, it's still not perfectly understood what causes breast cancer to develop. It's likely a combination of risk factors that make cells in the breast turn cancerous. But exactly why a certain combination of risk factors might cause cancer in a particular woman and another combination would not is still unclear.

Factors that Increase Breast Cancer Risk

• Being female
• Getting Older
• Inherited genetic mutations
• Carcinoma in situ
• Family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer
• High breast density on a mammogram
• Radiation exposure in youth
• Benign breast disease (hyperplasia)
• High levels of estrogen in the blood
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Menopause at age 55 or older
• Not having children or having first child after age 30
• High bone density
• Overweight/weight gain
• High socioeconomic status
• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
• Drinking alcohol
• Lack of exercise
• Postmenopausal hormone use
• First period before age 12
• Current or recent use of birth control pills
• Being tall
• Not breastfeeding

Q: What role does diet and nutrition play in reducing one's breast cancer risk?
A: For overall wellness and possibly to decrease the risk for developing breast cancer, it is recommended that women consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Q: What role does exercise play in reducing one's breast cancer risk?
A: Physical activity may help lower your risk from breast cancer. Exercise reduces estrogen levels, fights obesity, lowers insulin levels and boosts the function of immune system cells that attack tumors.

Q: Will drinking alcohol increase one's risk for breast cancer?
A: Numerous studies have shown that high levels of alcohol intake probably increase the risk of breast cancer. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation - less than one drink a day.

Q: Are women who have fibrocystic changes in their breasts at higher risk for breast cancer?
A: Fibrocystic breast changes, lumpiness plus tenderness or pain at certain times of the month, do not increase your chance of getting breast cancer. Keep in mind: Performing monthly breast self-examinations will help a woman become familiar with what is normal for her breasts.

Q: Does having larger breasts increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer?
A: No, a woman's risk of developing breast cancer does not increase if she has larger breasts. The two most significant risk factors for developing breast cancer are being female and getting older. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known risk factors. It is important for women with larger breasts to do monthly breast self-exams.

Q: Does Hormone Therapy (HT) increase my risk for breast cancer?
A: Recent studies have shown that the current or recent use of combined estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy (HT) can increase the risk of breast cancer. The risk with estrogen alone appears lower at this time. This risk declines over time once the woman stops taking HT. Any woman currently taking or considering HT should ask her doctor about the potential risks and benefits.

Q: Are women who use birth control pills at an increased risk for breast cancer?
A: Studies have shown that taking birth control pills for five years or longer can slightly increase the risk for breast cancer. However, there is no apparent increase in a woman's risk of breast cancer ten or more years after she has stopped using oral contraceptives.

Q: Is obesity a risk factor for breast cancer?
A: The effect of adult weight on the risk of breast cancer is different among pre and postmenopausal women. Before menopause, it appears that being somewhat overweight decreases a woman's risk of getting breast cancer. After menopause, being overweight increases the risk of the disease.

Q: What should I do if I am at higher risk for breast cancer?
A: Talk to your doctor about risk assessment and possible options to reduce your risk of breast cancer such as the antiestrogen drug, tamoxifen.