According to the best breast cancer doctor in Kolkata, one of the common risk factors of breast cancer is age, as it mostly affects older women. However, having a risk factor does not mean that you will get breast cancer. It means that you are at risk of developing the disease. Below, we will discuss these risk factors in detail.

What are the risk factors of breast cancer?

  • Reproductive history

If a woman begins to menstruate before age 12 and has late menopause, it can put them at risk of developing breast cancer as they are exposed to hormones longer.

  • Age

Older women are at a higher risk of getting the disease. So, most women get diagnosed with breast cancer after they turn 50 or older.

  • History of breast cancer or non-cancerous breast diseases

Women who get breast cancer are likely to develop the disease for the second time. Moreover, non-cancerous breast diseases such as lobular carcinoma in situ and atypical hyperplasia can make you prone to breast cancer.

  • Genetic mutations

Those who have inherited changes to certain genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can get breast cancer.

  • Previous treatment with radiation therapy

Women who receive radiation therapy on their breasts or chest have a higher risk of getting the disease.

  • Family history of ovarian and breast cancer

In case you have a family history of ovarian and breast cancer on both or any of your parents’ side, you are at risk of getting breast cancer.

  • Dense breasts

As per a breast cancer surgeon in Kolkata, if you have dense breasts, it will be difficult to detect cancerous tumours on a mammogram and can put you at risk of developing the disease.

Risk factors you can control

  • Hormone intake

When women take hormone replacement therapy for more than 5 years during their menopause, they are at risk of developing breast cancer.

  • Late pregnancy

If you get your first pregnancy after you are 30, you can get breast cancer.

  • Being obese and lack of physical activity

Older women who suffer from obesity can get the disease. On the other hand, women who are physically active and maintain a healthy weight have a lower risk of getting the disease.

If you have any one or two of the above risk factors, you must visit a breast cancer doctor to get your screening done for breast cancer.