All About Breast Cancer

Although men can also develop breast cancer, simply being female is a risk factor for breast cancer on its own. This risk also increases as a woman ages. Breast cancer is more likely to occur in patients who have already had breast cancer or who have family members who have. Beginning menopause or having your first child at an older age can also increase your risk. Girls who began menstruating before age 12 are also at a higher risk for breast cancer later in life. And women who have never been pregnant are at a greater risk than those who have been. While postmenopausal hormone therapy medications that combine estrogen and progesterone may also increase this risk, the risk typically decreases once you discontinue using these medications. Obesity and alcohol consumption may also play a role.