What are some common risk factors for breast cancer?
• Age: As a woman grows older, her chances for having breast cancer increases. Breast cancer is uncommon, although not unlikely, in women under the age of 35; the risk is extremely high for women over the age of 60. • Sex: Breast cancer is about 100 times more common in women than men. • Family history: If a woman’s mother, sister, daughter, or at least two of her close relatives have had the disease, the chances of her having breast cancer increases. • Personal history: Women who have a history of breast disease and/or breast cancer can develop breast cancer again. • Pregnancy or no pregnancy: Women who have their first pregnancy before the age of 25 may lower their risks. Women whose first pregnancy is after the age of 35 may be more susceptible. Women with no children – who experience a continuous menstrual cycle until they reach menopause – are at a higher risk for the disease. • Lifestyle choices: Not only do a woman’s day-to-day lifestyle choices determine risk factors for life-t
