Concerned
About My Risk
Everyone has some risk of developing breast cancer, but there are factors that can increase or decrease your risk. Once you know your personal risk of breast cancer, you and your doctor can come up with a breast screening plan that makes sense for you. You can also work on lifestyle changes that may help lower your risk of developing the disease. Here are some resources for getting started.
Understanding your breast cancer risk
If you’re not sure about your risk of breast cancer, start by talking with your doctor. They can help you determine your individual risk using information about your personal and family health history. Your doctor may use a breast cancer risk calculator to help you understand your risk.
Learn more about breast cancer risk.
About breast cancer risk in the U.S.
The average risk of a woman in the U.S. developing breast cancer over her lifetime is 13% (1 out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer). For men, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 0.13% (1 out of every 800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer). Your risk may be higher or lower than these national averages, depending on your health history, lifestyle, and more.
Read more breast cancer facts and statistics.
Breast cancer risk factors
Researchers have identified many factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. Some of these factors you’re stuck with (for instance, your age or genes), but some are lifestyle choices (for instance, drinking alcohol or not exercising) you may be able to change. Understanding breast cancer risk factors can help you keep your risk as low as possible.
Learn more about known breast cancer risk factors.
Risk and genetic testing
Some changes in genes (called mutations) are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, you may want to consider genetic testing.
Learn more about genetic testing.
Embracing a healthy lifestyle
Exercising regularly and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower your risk of breast cancer, as well as your risk for other diseases.
Learn more about how exercise may impact breast cancer risk.
Screening and testing for breast cancer
Mammograms are one of the best tools that doctors have to screen for and diagnose breast cancer. By going for your regular mammograms and physicals and examining your own breasts you have the best chances of catching breast cancer early. Talk to your doctor about your screening program, which will depend on your individual risk. If you're at a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer, they may recommend that you start annual mammograms at an earlier age. You may also be monitored more closely using other screenings and tests.
Learn more about your options for screening and testing.
