Who is more likely to get breast cancer

Anyone can get breast cancer and it's not always clear what causes it.

You might be more likely to get it if you:

are over 50
have dense breast tissue – you may be told this after a breast screening (mammogram)
have other people in your family who've had breast or ovarian cancer – you may have inherited a faulty gene, such as a faulty BRCA gene
have certain breast conditions, such as benign breast disease, ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ

You may also be more likely to get breast cancer if you have higher levels of the hormones oestrogen, progesterone or testosterone. This may be more likely if you:

started your periods before you were 12, or went through the menopause after you turned 55
have not given birth, or gave birth for the first time after 30
did not breastfeed your children
have used the contraceptive pill in the last 10 years, or take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – these only slightly increase your risk and for many people the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks

Many breast cancers are also linked to lifestyle, such as smoking.

If you're trans or non-binary

If you're a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary, how likely you are to get breast cancer depends on if you've had surgery, and if you're taking hormones.

If you were assigned female at birth

If you were assigned female at birth and you've had top surgery (surgery to remove the breasts and have male chest reconstruction), you may be less likely to get breast cancer.

Removing the breasts may lower your chance of getting breast cancer compared to a cis-gendered woman, though it may still be higher than a cis-gendered man.

If you've not had top surgery to remove the breasts and are between 50 and 71, you should be able to have breast screening (mammogram).

Breast Cancer UK has more information about being transgender and breast cancer risk

If you were assigned male at birth

If you were assigned male at birth, you may be more likely to get breast cancer if you've been taking feminising hormones for longer than 2 years.

These hormones may increase your chance of getting breast cancer compared to a cis-gendered man, though it may still be lower than that of a cis-gendered woman.

If you've been taking feminising hormones for longer than 2 years and are between 50 and 71, you should be able to have breast screening (mammogram).

Breast Cancer UK has more information about being transgender and breast cancer risk

How to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer

You cannot always prevent breast cancer, but going for breast screening (mammogram) when you are invited can help find cancers that are too small to see or feel.

There are also things you can do to lower your chance of getting breast cancer.

Do

try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
try to lose weight if you are overweight
try to quit smoking
talk to your GP if you are worried about the affect the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy may have on your risk of breast cancer

Genetic testing for breast cancer risk

If any of your close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, you may be eligible for an NHS genetic test.

A genetic test will check to see if you have a faulty gene which increases your risk of getting cancer, such as a faulty BRCA gene.

Speak to a GP about genetic testing if breast or ovarian cancer run in your family.

The GP may ask about:

who and how many people in your family have had cancer
the type of cancer they had
how old they were when they were diagnosed
if your family member is available for genetic testing or has been tested before

The GP will refer you to a specialist breast clinic or genetics clinic for assessment if they think you are at increased risk.

You can also have NHS genetic testing for faulty BRCA genes if you're 18 years or older and have 1 or more Jewish grandparent.

Find out more

Treatments if you're at increased risk

If you have a higher risk of getting breast cancer because you have a faulty gene, there are some treatments that can help reduce your risk.

A doctor or genetic counsellor will discuss your options with you and explain the benefits and possible side effects.

Treatments to reduce your risk include:

medicines
surgery to remove your breasts (mastectomy) – this may be offered if you are at very high risk

Causes of breast cancer in women