1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer at some time in their life.
This is a lifetime risk, which means that for every nine women who live to be 85, one will have developed breast cancer at some time in her life. Your risk can change based on your lifestyle, personal history or family history.
Reduce your breast cancer risk
There are some risk factors that you can change. It’s important for you to understand these, as it may help you make some risk-reducing lifestyle changes. You can then also talk with your doctor about the surveillance and screening that is appropriate for you.
- Your weight (especially after menopause)
- Your level of physical activity
- Your use of alcohol
- Your use of certain medications
- Childbearing and breastfeeding
- Disrupted sleeping patterns
Risk factors we can’t change
Unfortunately, you have no control over these risk factors. It’s still important to be aware of them, so you can talk to your doctor about the surveillance and screening you need.
- Being a woman
- Getting older
- Having a family history of cancer
- Breast density
- Having previous breast issues
Factors that don’t cause breast cancer
Heard the rumour that your deodorant could give you breast cancer? Thankfully, it’s just a rumour. Read up on more breast cancer myths, and whether there’s evidence behind any of them.