What are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

What is the Relationship between Age and Gender towards Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer mainly affects women; however, men can develop the condition as well. The risk notably elevates with age, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50 years old. Hormonal changes during menopause may also increase susceptibility. Although breast cancer can develop among younger people, the possibility is considerably lower in this age group. In addition to this, women are approximately 100 times more likely than men to develop breast cancer because of differences in hormones (Shockney, 2025).

Another important factor is having a family history of breast cancer. Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer are at an increased risk. Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 further increase this risk. The Cancer Research UK has stated that testing for these mutations can help assess a person’s chances of developing the disease.

What are the Risk Factors Related to Lifestyle?

Calcium scoring and angiograms are important diagnostic tools widely used to evaluate heart health and detect coronary artery disease (CAD), a top cause of heart attacks and cardiovascular complications. While the purpose of both tests is to thoroughly assess cardiovascular risk, their methodologies, applications, and the insights they provide notably vary. Calcium scoring quantifies calcified plaque buildup in the coronary arteries to predict the possibility of heart events in the future. In contrast, angiograms offer precise visualisations of the arteries, accurately locating and measuring blockages or narrowing that may cause critical cardiovascular conditions. Knowing the distinct capabilities and results of these diagnostic methods is important for effective management and prevention strategies in heart health.

Initial detection and accurate evaluation of heart abnormalities, like valve disorders, heart muscle dysfunction, or congenital heart defects, allow for early intervention, notably decreasing the risk of serious complications and enhancing patient outcomes.

Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors

Your lifestyle choices notably impact your breast cancer risk. While you cannot control certain risk factors, like genetics, adopting healthy habits can considerably decrease your chances of having breast cancer. Below are some main lifestyle-related risk factors:

Alcohol Consumption 

Frequent alcohol intake has been connected to an elevated risk of breast cancer. Even moderate drinking can increase estrogen levels, which in turn promote tumour growth and elevate cancer risk. Controlling your alcohol intake can significantly decrease this risk.

Obesity

Breast cancer risk can be elevated just by being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, because of increased levels of oestrogen produced by an overabundance of fat tissue. Keeping at a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and frequent physical activity is important for decreasing this risk. 

Physical Activity

An inactive lifestyle notably contributes to breast cancer risk. Frequent physical activity does not just help manage weight but also balances hormone levels, decreasing breast cancer risk in general. You should focus on achieving at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.

Diet

While no specific foods can prevent breast cancer completely, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins make up a balanced diet that can boost general health and decrease the risk of cancer. Cutting down on processed foods, sugary snacks, and overconsumption of red meat can enhance these protective effects further.

Smoking

Smoking is highly known as a notable risk factor for breast cancer, particularly among premenopausal women. Quitting smoking is a critical preventive measure because the harmful ingredients in tobacco can cause DNA damage and encourage the growth of tumours.

What are Some Hormonal and Reproductive Factors?

Some hormonal and reproductive factors also play a role in breast cancer risk:

What Are Some Other Influential Factors?

Recent research emphasizes more factors that may influence breast cancer risk. While chronic stress and poor mental health are not directly proven to cause breast cancer, they may encourage unhealthy behaviours like overeating, smoking, or overconsumption of alcohol. These behaviours elevate the risk of breast cancer.

Environmental exposures play a contributory role as well. Prolonged exposure to radiation, like during cancer treatments or regular diagnostic imaging, can increase the risk. In addition to this, exposure to some chemicals, including those in certain plastics and pesticides, is being studied for possible connections to breast cancer development (Gearhart-Serna et al. 2023).

Lastly, keeping frequent health screenings and a balanced lifestyle can help decrease risk in general and improve initial detection results.

Schedule an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Knowing your breast cancer risks helps you make informed health choices. When you understand both controllable and uncontrollable risks, you can actively work on protecting yourself. Getting frequent screenings and initial detection are important because they drastically improve treatment results. Living a healthy lifestyle—such as keeping a balanced diet, exercising often, and cutting back on alcohol—significantly lowers your overall risk. Understanding your family's health history and talking openly with your doctor ensures you get personalised advice and preventive care. Ultimately, being aware, early intervention, and consistently managing your health form a powerful combination that boosts your quality of life and long-term well-being.

At Pantai Hospitals, we are committed to offering extensive breast cancer screening and care. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced medical team ensure you receive the best possible support. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards safeguarding your health or you may also book an appointment via our website or download our MyHealth360 application which can be obtained at Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.