Breast Cancer risk factors

Anything which influences a person’s chance of developing breast cancer over their life time is called a risk factor. Breast cancer is a very complex disease caused by interactions between genes, environment and lifestyle. Although there have been great advances in our knowledge of the risk factors involved in breast cancer, it is not yet fully understood why some people get the disease, or how it could be prevented.

Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop breast cancer. Additionally some risk factors are out of your control, for example being a woman and growing older! Others are lifestyle choices and an informed decision should be made by comparing the risks against the benefits to your lifestyle.

Concern about breast cancer is common where women have experience of breast cancer in the family. However, only a very small amount of breast cancers (5-10 per cent) are due to inherited factors. For most people, increasing age is the greatest risk factor. Many women may assume that they are at high risk without having spoken to a medical professional to assess this.

BHUK offers:

• The BreastHealth Risk Assessment Test that takes into account genetic, medical and lifestyle factors.
• Access to experienced genetic counsellors.
• The latest genetic testing with fast results for women with a very strong family history of the disease. Click here for more information on genetic testing

Click here for a diagram of the breast cancer diagnosis pathway