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Breast Cancer Diagnosis


Who Else Is at Risk?

You're at a slightly high risk of breast cancer if:
  • You have a distant family history of breast cancer.
  • You've previously had an abnormal breast biopsy.
  • You did not have a child before age 30.
  • You began menstruation early.
  • You had a late menopause.
  • You're overweight.
  • You've been exposed to excessive radiation.
  • There's been other cancer in your family.
  • You have a higher-risk ethnic heritage.
  • You drink alcohol.




As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

By Daniel DeNoon
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD.

Sources: WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic: "Breast Cancer: Overview of Risks." WebMD Medical Reference: "Breast Cancer Detection." WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic: "Breast Cancer: Breast Self-Exam." National Cancer Institute: "Breast Cancer PDQ: Screening (health professional version)." WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic: "Breast Cancer: Doctor's Breast Exam." WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic: "Breast Cancer: Mammograms.” WebMD Medical News: "New Mammography Guidelines for Women." Qaseem, A. Annals of Internal Medicine; vol 146: pp 511-515. Armstrong, K. Annals of Internal Medicine; vol 146: pp 516-526. Elmore, J. Annals of Internal Medicine; vol 146: pp 529-532. WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic: "Breast Cancer: Breast MRI." WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic: "Breast Cancer: Breast Biopsy."  WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic: "Breast Cancer: Ductal Lavage." WebMD Feature: "What to Do After a Breast-Cancer Diagnosis." American Cancer Society web site. National Cancer Institute web site. Joan Arnim, manager, patient advocacy program, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. Maruti, S. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, May 2008. Friedenreich, C. British Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2008. WebMD Health News: "Stay Fit, Avoid Breast Cancer?" WebMD Medical Reference: "Understanding Breast Cancer–Prevention." WebMD Feature: "3 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer."