Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, impacting 1 in 8 women in the United States over the course of their lifetime. And while it’s often associated with women, it’s important to note that men can develop breast cancer too.
Hearing the words “breast cancer risk” can feel overwhelming, but this isn’t about fear—it’s about equipping you. Not all risk factors are within our control, but many are. And when it comes to your health, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s prevention, early detection, and in many cases, life-saving.
In this article, we’ll walk through some of the known factors that may increase your breast cancer risk—so you can take informed, confident steps to care for your body and your future.
What Is a Risk Factor?
A risk factor is anything that makes you more likely to develop a condition like breast cancer. Some risk factors you can’t change, while others are within your control. Let’s break them down.1
Genetics
About 5-10% of breast cancers are directly linked to inherited gene changes.1 The most significant are BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations:
- These genes normally help repair damaged DNA, but mutations (or changes in your DNA) can lead to abnormal cell growth.1
- If you inherit a mutated copy, your lifetime risk of breast cancer increases significantly—up to 70% by age 80.1
- You’re more likely to develop breast cancer at a younger age and possibly in both breasts.1
- These mutations also increase risk of ovarian and other cancers.1
- While more common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, anyone can carry these mutations.1
Family History1
- Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer nearly doubles your risk.
- Having two first-degree relatives with breast cancer triples your risk.
- Male relatives (father or brother) with breast cancer also increase your risk.
Your Menstrual History
- Starting periods early (before age 12) slightly increases risk.1
- Going through menopause later (after 55) slightly increases risk.1
- Both factors mean longer lifetime exposure to estrogen and progesterone.1
Birth Control and Hormones1
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) create a small increased risk that returns to normal about 10 years after stopping.1
- Hormone-releasing IUDs, implants, patches, and rings may increase risk, though research is limited.1
- Menopausal hormone therapy with combined estrogen and progesterone increases risk, especially after 4 years of use.1
The Impact of Race and Ethnicity on Breast Cancer Outcomes
Breast cancer affects women across all backgrounds, yet significant healthcare gaps persist along racial and ethnic lines. Despite recent advances in identifying these disparities, we still face considerable challenges in creating truly equitable breast cancer care.3
The statistics reveal a troubling pattern in breast cancer outcomes.
- Black women experience a puzzling reality—they develop breast cancer less frequently than white women, yet face a dramatically higher mortality rate (38% higher). This startling contrast points to systemic issues in our healthcare approach. Black women typically receive diagnoses at more advanced stages, at younger ages, and face the lowest survival rates at every stage of the disease.3
- A similar pattern emerges among American Indian and Native Alaskan women. Though their chances of getting breast cancer is approximately 10% lower than white women, they are 6% more likely to die from the disease. They currently show the lowest rates of breast cancer screening and, like Black women, often receive diagnoses at later, less treatable stages.3
The aggressive nature of breast cancers diagnosed in women of color presents another serious concern. Both Native American and Black women face higher rates of aggressive breast cancer types. Particularly alarming is the fact that Black women under 50 develop triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms, at twice the rate of their white counterparts.3
Underrepresentation in Clinical Studies
Clinical research represents one significant area of inequity. Meaningful medical breakthroughs depend on diverse clinical study participation, yet minorities comprise less than 10-15% of breast cancer clinical study participants. While overall breast cancer mortality has declined more than 40% in recent decades, largely due to improved systemic treatments, these benefits haven’t reached all populations equally. Without diverse representation in research, we cannot fully understand or address these treatment disparities.3
Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health play an equally critical role in these disparities. Access to quality healthcare remains a persistent challenge for many people of color. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation demonstrates higher rates of uninsurance among people of color, often related to geographic location and limited access to affordable health coverage.3
These healthcare system inequities impact the entire cancer care continuum. Black women, for instance, are 31% more likely to experience delays in completing their treatment regimens and nearly three times more likely to discontinue prescribed risk-reducing medications.3
Other social factors compound these challenges by undermining prevention and risk-reduction efforts. Limited access to high-quality, affordable healthcare often means higher rates of chronic conditions that complicate breast cancer treatment. Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity—which occur at higher rates in certain populations—can significantly worsen breast cancer prognosis and make treatment more challenging.3
Addressing these deeply rooted disparities requires comprehensive approaches that tackle both medical and social barriers to equitable breast cancer care.
Lifestyle and Environmental Risks
- Alcohol Consumption1
- Even one alcoholic drink daily increases risk by 7-10%
- Two to three drinks daily increases risk by about 20%
- Best recommendation: avoid alcohol or limit to no more than one drink per day
- Body Weight1
- Being overweight or obese after menopause increases risk
- Fat tissue produces estrogen, especially after menopause
- Higher insulin levels associated with excess weight may also play a role
- Weight gained during adulthood increases post-menopausal risk
- Interestingly, being overweight before menopause might actually lower risk
- Physical Activity1
- Regular exercise reduces breast cancer risk, especially after menopause
- Even 2-3 hours weekly provides benefits, but more is better
- Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly
- Exercise may help by controlling weight, reducing inflammation, and balancing hormones
- Environmental Exposures
- Over 900 chemicals in everyday products may affect breast cancer risk.4
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may alter breast development.2
- Early life exposure to certain chemicals can increase susceptibility later.2
What You Can Do: Managing Modifiable Risk Factors
While you can’t change your genetics or family history, there are several lifestyle choices that are within your control—and they can make a real difference in your breast cancer risk and overall well-being. Small, consistent actions can empower you to feel more connected to your health and more confident in your care. Here are a few powerful places to start:1
- Stay on top of regular screenings
Schedule mammograms as recommended by your provider, especially if you’re over 40 or have a family history. Practice breast self-awareness—not just self-exams, but knowing what feels normal for your body and speaking up when something changes. - Move your body and nourish it well
Physical activity doesn’t have to mean the gym. Walk, stretch, dance—just move. Combine this with a diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and healthy fats (like those from olive oil, nuts, and fish). Studies have shown that regular exercise and healthy eating can help lower breast cancer risk and support overall hormone balance. - Always advocate for yourself
If something feels off, speak up. Ask questions. Get second opinions. Many people, especially people of color, are dismissed or misdiagnosed. You deserve care that listens to you, sees you, and takes you seriously. Keep pushing for it.
References
- ACS. (2021, December 16). Breast Cancer Risk Factors You Cannot Change. Retrieved from American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/breast-cancer-risk-factors-you-cannot-change.html#:~:text=Having%20a%20first%2Ddegree%20relative,higher%20risk%20of%20breast%20cancer.
- Friedman, A. (2024, January 17). Hundreds of chemicals in everyday consumer products may increase breast cancer risk. Retrieved from Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/01/hundreds-chemicals-everyday-consumer-products-may-increase-breast-cancer
- Malhotra, P. (2025). Understanding Breast Cancer Racial Disparities. Retrieved from Breast Cancer Research Foundation: https://www.bcrf.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-racial-disparities/
- Rodgers, K. M., Udesky, J., Rudel, R., & Brody, J. (2018). Environmental chemicals and breast cancer: An updated review of epidemiological literature informed by biological mechanisms. Elsevier – Environmental Research.
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