Whos Most at Risk for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer screening has benefits, but it also carries risks. Every woman must decide on the balance of benefits and risks that is best for her as an individual. We’ve asked the experts at WebMD to help you make that decision. The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is having had breast cancer before. Previous history of breast cancer means a three- to fourfold higher risk of a new cancer in another breast or another part of the same breast, which are considered to be different than a recurrence of previous breast cancer. You are at moderately high risk of breast cancer if: • You’re getting older. Your risk for breast cancer increases as you age. • You have a direct family history of breast cancer. Having a first-degree relative—mother, sister or daughter—who has or had breast cancer puts you at higher risk for the disease. Having one first-degree relative with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman’s risk. Having two first-degree relatives increases her risk fivefold. • You
