A risk factor for any health issue is an aspect that increases an individual’s chances of developing the illness. Breast cancer also has certain risk factors, most of which cannot be prevented. Having said that, being aware of the common risk factors for breast cancer can help one understand whether they are susceptible to developing the disease. So, here are some of the risk factors one should know about:

• Gender
  Although men can also develop this form of cancer, it is primarily diagnosed in women. This is because the tissues in women’s breasts are exposed to estrogen, which may cause abnormal cell growth.
• Age
  Age is the most prominent risk factor for breast cancer. Almost 85% of the patients are women over the age of 50, while only 5% of the cases are among women under the age of 40.
• Family history
  A family history of breast cancer is a major risk factor. If one’s mother, sister, or daughter has been diagnosed with the disease, there is a 50% chance that they may also get this disease at some point.
• Previous diagnosis
  If one had cancer earlier in one of the breasts, there is a high chance of them developing the disease in another area of the breast or the other breast.
• The density of the breast
  One of the common risk factors for breast cancer is the density of breast tissues, which can be seen using a mammogram. Fatty breasts are relatively less likely to develop the disease.
• Certain breast conditions
  Cell overgrowth in lobules or ducts can indicate a higher risk of breast cancer.
• Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
  Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a condition that appears in the breasts. If one has been diagnosed with it, there is a high risk of them developing breast cancer.
• Radiation
  One of the common risk factors for breast cancer is radiation treatment. If one had to undergo radiation treatment at a young age or for any other type of cancer in the chest area, they are at risk for developing breast cancer later.
• Race
  African-American, Native American, Hispanic, and Asian women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer as compared to white women. However, the mortality rate due to breast cancer is higher among African-American women.
• Alcohol consumption
  It has been noticed that women who are heavy drinkers are more at risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, the risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumption.
• Estrogen exposure
  Long exposure to estrogen is also a risk factor for breast cancer. On the other hand, multiple pregnancies lead to a decreased number of menstrual cycles, which lowers the risk of breast cancer.

Other than these, the common risk factors for breast cancer also include previous cases of ovarian, endometrium, or colon cancer.