1. Genetic Factors
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Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
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Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
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Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer increases risk
2. Hormonal Factors
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Early menstruation (before age 12)
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Late menopause (after age 55)
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Having the first child after age 30 or never having children
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Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
3. Age
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Risk increases significantly after age 50
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Most breast cancer cases occur in postmenopausal women
4. Lifestyle Factors
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Lack of physical activity
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Being overweight, especially after menopause
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High alcohol consumption
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Smoking
5. Radiation Exposure
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Previous radiation therapy to the chest (especially at a young age)
6. Dense Breast Tissue
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Makes tumors harder to detect on mammograms
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Slightly increases breast cancer risk
7. Reproductive History
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Not breastfeeding
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Using certain types of birth control (small increased risk)
8. Environmental Factors
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Exposure to harmful chemicals (e.g., those that mimic estrogen)
Important Note
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop breast cancer. Many people with risk factors never get the disease, while some with no known risk factors do.