Am I At Risk?

Did you know that age and being female are the two biggest risk factors for breast cancer? 9 out of 10 women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Many people think that a family history of breast cancer puts you at the greatest risk of developing this type of cancer – but did you know that age and being female are the two biggest risk factors?

In fact, 9 out of 10 women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of breast cancer.

More information on breast cancer risk factors is available on the Cancer Australia website

When is family history of breast cancer important?

Your family history of breast cancer does become more significant when: 

• More than one relative on the same side of your family (your mother’s side or your father’s side) has been diagnosed with breast cancer
• Those relatives are more closely related to you (e.g. your sister rather than your cousin) and were under 50 when first diagnosed
• You have male relatives diagnosed with breast cancer
• Relatives have breast cancer in both breasts and/or also have ovarian cancer

For a small number of women, family history may mean they need to have screening mammograms more often. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about your level of risk.

Are you ready for your breast screen appointment? Go to Preparing for your Mammogram to view our handy Breast Screening Checklist.

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