WHAT IS MY RISK?

Every woman can decrease her risk of breast cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle, avoiding common toxins that are linked to cancer, and making smart diet choices. However, it is important to recognize that some of the factors that increase a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer simply cannot be changed.

AGING

The risk of breast cancer increases as women get older, although women under 30 can get the disease.

GENETICS/FAMILY HISTORY

Some women inherit abnormal genes that increase their risk of breast cancer.

RACE

White woman are slightly more likely to get breast cancer than African-American women.

BREAST TISSUE

Women with dense breast tissue are more likely to get breast cancer than others.

MENSTRUAL PERIODS

Women who have had more menstrual cycles because they started menstruating early (before age 12) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.

None of these natural risk factors should discourage anyone from making lifestyle choices that are proven to decrease the risk of breast cancer. In fact, they make it more important to practice prevention and find out ways to lower your risk now!