Breast cancer

Risks and causes of breast cancer

Anything that increases the risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean that you will definitely get breast cancer.

Risk factors for breast cancer

Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include getting older and inherited faulty genes. Read about these and other risk factors.

Reducing your risk of breast cancer

There are some things that can help to reduce the risk of breast cancer, this includes keeping a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and being physically active. Find out what else you can do.

Family history of breast cancer and inherited genes

Some people have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than the general population because other members of their family have had particular cancers. Find out more.

Last reviewed: 27 Apr 2023

Next review due: 27 Apr 2026