Breast Cancer Risks

Who is at risk for breast cancer?

Women with certain medical conditions, lifestyle habits, genes (information passed from one generation to the next), or traits (referred to as “risk factors”) may be more likely than other women to get cancer. However, having risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer. Most women who develop breast cancer have no risk factors at all.  

Overall, you are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer if you:

• Have close relatives (mother, sister, grandmother, or aunt) who have had breast cancer
• Have one of a few specific genetic mutations (mistakes in your genetic code) that are passed on from one generation to the next that increase your chances of getting breast cancer
• Are obese
• Drink alcohol excessively

How can I lower my risk for breast cancer?

You can lower your risk for breast cancer by keeping your lifestyle healthy. Don't smoke, limit alcohol intake, exercise regularly, follow a healthy diet, and have regular checkups with your health care provider. 

Do I need to have a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts, usually done to try to find early signs of breast cancer. Teens do not need to get mammograms. In fact, mammograms don't work well in teenagers and young adults because the breast tissue is too thick and too dense to get a clear picture. Most women start having mammograms when they are about 40. Some women younger than 40 years old have mammograms if they have a family history of breast cancer, if they have had radiation treatment for other cancers in the past, or if their health care provider recommends it for another reason.

Learning to care for your breasts when you're a teenager is an important way to make sure that your whole body stays healthy when you're older. Although breast cancer is very uncommon in women under the age of 35, if you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts now, you're taking an important step toward good general health for the future.

Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Boston Children's Hospital
Source: youngwomenshealth.org