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The following are the risk factors which are associated with the development of breast cancer:
1. Age: Breast cancer is rarely seen in women below the age of 25. Thereafter the risk of cancer increases with age till menopause. After menopause the incidence of cancer decreases. On an average breast cancer is commonly seen in women after the age of 50.

2. Geographical location: There is a difference in the incidence in breast cancer between different countries. This is probably related to genetic and environmental factors. Breast cancer is more commonly seen in the women of western origin as compared to the women of oriental, Asian and Afro-Caribbean origin.
3. Family history of breast cancer: It has been estimated that between 5% and 10% of patients with breast cancer have a familial predisposition to developing the disease.
4. Exposure to ionizing radiations.
5. Exposure to estrogens: Any factor which is associated with un-opposed estrogen exposure can act as a risk factor for development of breast cancer. These include:
• Early age of menarche (<12 years)
• Late age of attaining menopause (>50 years)
• No children or had first child after the age of 30 years.
• Use of HRT, containing unopposed estrogens for over 10 years.
• Use of contraceptive pills containing estrogens only- a small increase has been reported during the contraceptive use and lasts for up to 10 years after stopping the pill. However after 10 years there is no risk.
6. Obesity increases the risk for development of breast cancer due to hormonal mechanisms. However there is no established relationship between fat consumption and development of breast cancer.
7. Breast cancer is not caused by use of under wired bras or use of deodorants and perfumes.

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