University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center Experts Provide Breast Cancer Risk Factors

According to recent data from the National Cancer Institute, about 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States each year. To aid in the prevention and early detection of this disease, our breast health specialists at UH Seidman Cancer Center and University Hospitals Breast Health Center continue to research its possible causes and related conditions.

Risk Factors for Developing Breast Cancer

Our advanced studies have revealed the key risk factors that can increase a patient’s chances of developing breast cancer. The following list can help individuals monitor their breast health and improve their lifestyle choices:

  • Age: The chance of having breast cancer goes up as a woman ages. Most breast cancer cases occur in women over 60.
  • History: If a patient has had breast cancer previously, she or he is at increased risk of developing it again. Risk also goes up for anyone with a family history of breast cancer, particularly if a family member was diagnosed before age 40.
  • Certain breast changes: Some women have cells in their breasts that look abnormal under a microscope, which can signify an increased risk of breast cancer.
  • Reproductive and menstrual history: Women who started their periods before age 12; who went through menopause after age 55; who never had children; who had children after age 30; or who had menopausal hormone therapy with estrogen plus progestin are at increased risk.
  • Radiation therapy to the chest: Women who had radiation therapy to the chest before age 30 are at greater risk.
  • Breast density: Older women whose mammograms show more dense tissue are at greater risk.
  • Being overweight after menopause: Chances of getting breast cancer after menopause are 1.5 times higher in women who are obese, according to data collected by the National Cancer Institute.
  • Alcohol: Studies suggest that the more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her risk of breast cancer.
  • Lack of physical activity: Women who are physically inactive throughout life may have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer.

Conditions That Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Women with the following health conditions must be especially conscious of their breast health since their risk of developing breast cancer is elevated:

  • Atypical hyperplasia: A woman with atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) has abnormal cells in the breast lobules. Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is diagnosed when abnormal cells are found in the breast ducts.
  • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): A woman has this condition when abnormal cells are found in breast lobules. There are more abnormal cells in the lobule with lobular carcinoma in situ than with atypical lobular hyperplasia.

Patients with these conditions should talk with a doctor specializing in breast health to develop a plan that works for them.