Are You At Risk?
It’s important for every woman to know the factors that increase the likelihood of breast cancer. Here are some of the key risk factors: Getting Older: About 2/3 of invasive breast cancers are found in women ages 55 and older. Family History: If a close relative (mother, sister, daughter) has had breast cancer, your risk increases. Still, the majority of cases are in women with no family history. Menstrual Periods: If you started your period before age 12 or went through menopause after age 55, you have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. Birth of Your First Child Late In Life: Women who have their first child after the age of 35 increase the likelihood of the disease.
Other risk factors include being overweight, drinking alcohol, lack of physical exercise and having postmenopausal hormone therapy.