Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Are you at risk for developing breast cancer? We all hear of breast cancer risk factors, but how many of us really know what they are? A breast cancer risk factor is anything about you or your family history that makes it more likely that you will get breast cancer during your life.

What are risk factors that are associated with breast cancer?

Factors that have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer include:

Just being female: Ladies, I know it sounds terrible, but woman are much more likely than men to develop breast cancer. Family history: If your mother, sister or even daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly at a young age, your risk of developing breast cancer increases. Personal history: If you have experienced breast cancer in one breast in the past, you have an increased risk of developing cancer in the other breast. Obesity: Being obese dramatically increases your risk of breast cancer. Beginning your period at a young age: If you started menstruating before the age of 12, your risk of breast cancer increases. Having your first child at an older age: Women who give birth to their first child after the age of 35 could have an increased risk of breast cancer. Never being pregnant: Women who have never been pregnant have a potentially greater risk of developing breast cancer. Drinking alcohol: Consuming alcohol in large amounts has been found to increase the risk of breast cancer.

Here at Mountainside Medical, we are joining the fight against breast cancer and trying to find a cure. On October 20^th we are participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Utica, NY. Donate to our team and join us in the fight to help find a cure!