Breast cancer is a complex disease with no known single cause. However, research has linked breast cancer risk to a number of factors. The more we know about these risk factors, the better equipped we are to make changes in our individual lives, and in our public policies that will benefit our long-term breast health and reduce the risk of breast cancer.

What are breast cancer risk factors?
A breast cancer risk factor is something that increases a person’s chance of developing breast cancer. Established risk factors are backed by research with conclusive evidence that is confirmed by different sources and studies. They are linked to the development of breast cancer, although they may not be a direct cause.

While risk factors are established by conclusive research, they cannot offer rules or guarantees. For example, while a woman with several risk factors for breast cancer may not develop the disease, another with no identifiable risk factors, besides being female, may be diagnosed. Clearly, this tells us there is plenty more to learn about breast cancer, its risk factors, and what we can do to reduce the risk.

When considering risk, it is important to note that not all risk factors are weighted equally, some are linked to a higher increase in the risk of breast cancer, while others are linked to a moderate or low increase.

Why are risk factors important?
Knowing about breast cancer risk factors can give us a better understanding of our personal risk. Fortunately, many risk factors are modifiable, which means we can take action to reduce those risks.

Modifiable risk factors include body weight, physical activity, alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, use of synthetic hormones (the Pill, HRT, and fertility treatment), exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, and more. Explore this section of the website to learn more about breast cancer risk, modifiable breast cancer risk factors and steps you can take now to reduce your risk.

While other risk factors are non-modifiable, meaning you cannot change them, understanding them can still help you make informed choices that may reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Non-modifiable risk factors include gender, ageing, having had cancer before, having a family history of breast cancer, breast density, breast conditions, early menstruation and late menopause.

Join us in the campaign to stop breast cancer before it starts. Encourage people in your life to join the campaign too.