What is My Risk for Breast Cancer? 

Breast cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide, and understanding your risk is crucial in managing and reducing that risk. As a nurse practitioner specializing in oncology genetics, I often hear the question, "What is my risk for breast cancer?" The answer is complex, as many factors contribute to an individual woman's risk. 

The general risk 

All women are at risk for breast cancer, and statistically, 1 in 8 women will develop the disease over their lifetime. The two most significant risk factors are simply being a woman and aging. The likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases significantly after the age of 50. Notably, most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. 

Family history and genetics 

Women who have a first-degree relative, such as a mother or sister, with breast cancer face almost double the risk compared to the general population. If more than one first-degree relative has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the risk increases threefold. 

However, breast cancer risk is not only about family history. Certain inherited genetic changes, such as those found in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, can significantly increase a woman's risk. Your mother or father may pass these genetic changes to you. At the Elliot Breast Health Center and Center for Genetics and Risk Assessment, we offer genetic testing and risk assessments to help determine if you are at higher risk due to family history or genetic factors. 

Learn More About the Elliot Breast Health Center 

Other risk factors 

Race and ethnicity also play a role in breast cancer risk. White women have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than African American women. Still, African American women are more likely to die from the disease. Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women generally have a lower risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  

Specific factors that cannot be changed also affect breast cancer risk. These include: 

• Starting menstruation before age 12 
• Experiencing menopause after age 55 
• Having dense breast tissue 
• Being taller than average 
• A history of radiation therapy to the chest 
• A history of certain breast lesions, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) 

How to reduce your risk of breast cancer 

While some risks cannot be reduced, there are lifestyle choices that can influence your risk of developing breast cancer: 

Alcohol consumption: Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of breast and other cancers. Limit alcohol to one drink a day or less to help reduce this risk. 

Weight management: Obesity, particularly after menopause, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. 

Physical activity: Regular physical activity lowers the risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity or 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. Simple activities like brisk walking can be effective. 

Other risk factors include reproductive history, such as not having children or having your first child after age 30, which slightly increases risk. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, may slightly reduce breast cancer risk. Use of oral contraceptives for greater than 10 years may slightly increase risk. This risk decreases when oral contraceptives are discontinued.  Studies have shown that using hormone replacement therapy with combined estrogen and progesterone for longer than five years can increase risk. 

Learn More About the Elliot Breast Health Center 

Assessing your risk 

Understanding your risk is the first step toward managing it proactively. If you have a family history of breast cancer in first- or second-degree relatives, it's recommended to undergo a risk assessment. This evaluation can estimate your risk and help decide whether genetic testing may be necessary. 

For women with a calculated breast cancer risk of over 20%, enhanced screening may be recommended. This screening can include breast MRI alongside annual mammograms. These additional measures play a vital role in early detection and improving outcomes. In New Hampshire, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is an impressive 93%. 

Breast cancer is a complex disease, but by understanding your risk factors and taking appropriate actions, you can play an active role in your health and well-being. 

Denise Jeffery, APRN is the program coordinator for the Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program for Women (also known as the BCCP) at the Elliot Breast Health Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. Denise also specializes in genetic testing and sees patients in the high-risk screening program.