Risk factors for breast cancer that can be modified
- Use of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause
- Using oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for a longtime
- Not breast-feeding
- Drinking 2 to 5 alcoholic drinks a day
- Being overweight (especially after menopause)
- Lack of exercise
- High-fat diet
Discuss these factors with your gynecologist. HRT and OCPs may still be necessary despite the risk, and discontinuing medication without your doctor’s supervision may be counterproductive. The association between OCPs and breast cancer remains controversial and it is best to consult your doctor about options.
The following risk factors cannot be modified:
- Being a woman
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Menarche before 12 years old
- Menopause after 50 years old
- Never having children
- Having children after 30
- A mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer
- Previous diagnosis of breast cancer or premalignant breast changes
- Having a genetic mutation that can be inherited from your parents (changes in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2)
- A history of cancer in the uterus, ovary and large intestine (even in relatives)
