Risk factors for breast cancer

Here are risk factors for breast cancer. To find out about your risk, select each checkbox/item on Risk Calculator that applies to you.

Scientists still investigate why some people develop the cancer and others don’t, but certain factors increase the risk according to National Institutes of Health (NIH). The calculation gives the relative risk of breast cancer in each risk as compare to general public. For example, if the relative risk in a risk factor is more than 1.0, it indicates a higher risk or more than one time than general public. Please note that the relative risk of breast cancer is based on data in US CDC, academia associations and literature, which may not represent current development. Please check recent research, or contact your doctors for most up-to-date information.

Other factors that may also increase the risk for women, which include:

  • Having dense breasts
  • Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
  • Using combination hormone therapy.
  • Drinking alcohol.
  • etc.

If any of risk factors applies to you, please discuss with your doctors about your risk and laboratory tests for breast cancer.