Risk Factors
What raises your risk, what you can change, and why screening still matters.
Knowing your breast cancer risk factors helps you and your doctor make a plan. Some you can change. Some you cannot. If you have ever wondered who is at risk for breast cancer, this page gives you a simple answer.
Learning your breast cancer risk factors helps you catch problems early and lower the risks you can control. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get breast cancer, and many women with no known risks still do. That is why breast cancer screening matters for everyone over 40.
What are the main breast cancer risk factors?
The biggest breast cancer risk factors are being a woman and getting older, since most cases are found after 50. Others include a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited BRCA gene changes, dense breasts, early periods or late menopause, past chest radiation, and a personal history of breast disease.
Related breast health pages
The changes worth watching for.
Screening frequency guidance by age and risk.
Our full breast health program.
Get screened at no cost.
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Ready When You Are
Know your risk and get screened. Apply for your free mammogram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many women with no known risk factors are still diagnosed. Regular mammograms are for everyone over 40
No. Family history on your father's side counts too. When you read American Cancer Society breast cancer risk factors or any other list, remember that breast or ovarian cancer in a sister, daughter, aunt, or grandmother matters, no matter which side of the family they are on. Tell your doctor about all of your close relatives so they can plan your care.
Dense breasts have more gland and fibrous tissue and less fat. You cannot tell if your breasts are dense by how they look or feel, and only a mammogram can show it. Dense tissue can make small changes harder to see and can slightly raise risk, which is one more reason to know who is at risk for breast cancer and to keep up with your screenings.
Talk with your doctor about your age, your family history,y and your health background. If you have no insurance, start with our grant eligibility page or apply for a free mammogram. It is a simple first step, and it helps you learn who is at risk for breast cancer in your own family.