Fact: 3

Age and health history can affect the risk of developing breast cancer. Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors for breast cancer include the following:

· Older age.
· Menstruating at an early age.
· Older age at first birth or never having given birth.
· A personal history of breast cancer or benign (non-cancerous) breast disease.
· A mother or sister with breast cancer.
· Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest.
· Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram.
· Taking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
· Drinking alcoholic beverages.
· Being white.