Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, with 1 in 8 women diagnosed each year. It’s also one of the leading causes of cancer death for women—but it doesn’t have to be.
“I wish more people understood how treatable breast cancer can be when it is caught early,” explains Sarah Samples, NP, breast surgery coordinator at Carilion Clinic. That’s why understanding your personal risk (and following the right screening plan!) is so important.
What increases your risk of breast cancer?
Anyone can get breast cancer, but some things make it more likely. Some risk factors you can’t change, like:
- Age: Most breast cancers happen after age 50
- Family history: Having a close relative (like a mother, sister or daughter) with breast cancer raises your risk
- Genetics: Inherited changes in certain genes—like BRCA1 or BRCA2—increase your risk
- Breast density: Dense breast tissue raises your risk and can make it harder to see cancers on a mammogram
- Previous chest radiation: If you’ve had radiation treatment near your chest (for another condition) you may have a higher risk
You can’t control all your risk factors. But you can take steps to lower some, including:
- Manage alcohol use: Even small amounts can raise your risk
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity helps protect against several types of cancer
- Maintain a healthy weight: Extra body fat can raise estrogen levels, which may fuel certain cancers
- Limit long-term hormone therapy: Using combined estrogen and progesterone (commonly prescribed for menopause) for too long can slightly increase risk
When should you start breast cancer screening?
Every woman should start talking with their doctor about breast cancer risk by their mid-20s. Your doctor will ask about your personal and family health history to see whether you’re at average risk or higher risk.
Most people (average risk) should get a:
- Mammogram every year starting at age 40: This is the best way to catch breast cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat
- Physical breast exam by your doctor starting in your 20s: Every 1 – 3 years through your 30s, and every year starting at 40
For people at higher risk:
“Yearly mammograms at age 40 don’t cut it for those of us who are high risk for breast cancer,” Sarah notes. If you have a strong family history or genetic risk, your doctor may recommend:
- Starting mammograms earlier
- Adding breast MRI (to see changes mammograms might miss)
- Meeting with a genetic counselor to discuss testing for inherited cancer genes
- Talking about preventive options like medicines or surgery
Your care team will help you decide which approach makes sense based on your personal and family history.
Why knowing your risk matters
Understanding your risk means you can take steps to stay ahead of it. When you know your risk, you can:
- Start screening at the right age with the right tests
- Make informed choices about your health and lifestyle
“Knowing your risk falls right in line with early detection,” says Sarah. “The earlier cancer is detected, the better the outcome.”
If you have questions about your breast cancer risk or recommended screenings, reach out to your family doctor or OB/GYN.
