Your breast cancer risk

There is no single cause of breast cancer. It is a combination of our genes, environment and lifestyle. Because we are all different, the risk factors and whether we develop breast cancer, varies between people.

Some of the risks we cannot control such as being a woman, aging or a family history of breast cancer. Other risks can be managed (modified) by making some lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet or reducing alcohol consumption. 

There are many myths about causes of breast cancer. 

Risk factors 

Over the course of a person’s life there is a range of risk factors that can affect the chances of developing breast cancer.  

Those over which we have no control (non-modifiable) include: 

• being a woman 
• aged over fifty years 
• family history of breast cancer 
• genetics 
• previous diagnosis of breast cancer 
• having dense breasts. 

There are lifestyle factors that can increase a risk of developing breast cancer. They are called modifiable risk factors as we have control over them. These include: 

• Being overweight or obese 
• Drinking alcohol 
• Smoking 
• Lack of exercise 

While some risk factors you cannot control, you can aim to make healthy lifestyle changes and other risk-reducing strategies to help reduce your risk.  

If you are concerned about your risk of developing breast cancer or have breast changes, see your doctor for a discussion and full assessment. 

Reducing your risk 

There are lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce your risk of breast cancer. These include: 

• Maintaining a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, discuss with your doctor a plan to lose weight in a sensible way. 
• Staying active. Many studies have shown that regular exercise is important to maintaining a healthy weight and reduces the risk of breast cancer. The more exercise you do the greater the benefits. 
• Eating a healthy,well balanced diet. 
• Reducing your alcohol intake. 
• Stopping smoking. 

Myths about breast cancer 

There are many myths about what may cause breast cancer. These range from using deodorants or wearing underwire bras to eating certain foods or sustaining a breast injury. It can be hard to know what to believe as true and what is based on reliable evidence.

It is important that you find accurate information about the stories  you may have seen on the internet or heard from others.

If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.