Key factors that increase risk of breast cancer

October is recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight crucial information about the disease, including the factors that increase a woman's risk.

Awareness of these key factors, sourced from the HCG CCK Cancer Centre, is vital for early detection and prevention.

One of the most fundamental risks is age, as the likelihood of developing breast cancer rises as a woman gets older.

Genetic factors play a significant role; the presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations is known to trigger tumour growth. Furthermore, a family history of the disease substantially raises the overall likelihood of an individual developing breast cancer.

Other contributing elements relate to reproductive history and body characteristics. Early menstruation, a late menopause, or having a first childbirth after the age of 35 all increase risk. Having dense breast tissue can raise the risk by a significant four to six times.

A past breast cancer diagnosis increases the risk of recurrence. Finally, lifestyle choices such as poor lifestyle habits, radiation exposure, and obesity are also recognized factors that heighten the overall risk.