Do you know the risk factors associated with breast cancer?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month across Canada. Even though this disease has many causes, several factors can increase the risk of contracting it. Here’s an overview of some of those risk factors.

1. Previous conditions. You’re more vulnerable to developing breast cancer if abnormal cells have been detected in your breasts in the past or if you’ve had previous abnormalities.

2. Age. More than 80 per cent of cases in Canada occur in women over the age of 50.

3. Alcohol. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drinking one beer or one glass of wine per day is enough to increase your risk significantly.

4. Menstrual cycle. Early menstruation and late menopause are linked to the possibility of developing the disease.

5. Family history. Your risk of getting the disease is higher if your mother, sister or daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer, especially if it was before menopause.

6. Pregnancy complications. Your risk increases if you’ve never carried a pregnancy to full term or if you’ve been pregnant after the age of 30.

7. Body weight. People who are obese have a higher statistical likelihood of getting breast cancer.

8. Taking hormones. Undergoing hormone replacement therapy for more than five years is associated with the onset of this type of cancer.

9. Physical inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle increases the likelihood of a breast cancer diagnosis.

For more information, visit cancer.ca.