A London specialist writes about breast cancer risks

Many women in London agonise over the questions; am I at risk of getting breast cancer, what are my chances of getting breast cancer? Professor Kefah Mokbel, Consultant Breast Surgeon at St George’s and The Princess Grace hospitals in London has written extensively about the topic.

Here he sets out the risks. This piece should be read in conjunction with How Can I Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer?

Age

The risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly with age; an average European woman aged 25 years has a 1 in 15000 chance of developing breast cancer; for a 50-year-old woman the chance is 1 in 50, and at the age of 80 years the chance is 1 in 11.

Family History

It is thought that up to 5% of all breast cancers are inherited due to the presence of abnormal genes passed on from mother to daughter. Having a first-degree relative (such as a sister or mother) with breast cancer will increase your chance of developing the disease.

A significant family history of prostate cancer is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Hormonal Risk Factors

  • Starting Periods before the Age of 11 Years
  • Later Pregnancy
  • Later Menopause
  • The Oral Contraceptive Pill
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Lifestyle Risk Factors

  • Obesity
  • Diet
  • Alcohol Consumption
  • Smoking

Other Risk Factors

  • Environment
  • Previous Benign Breast Biopsy
  • Mammographic Density
     
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
The basic unit of genetic material carried on chromosomes. Full medical glossary
Abbreviation for hormone replacement therapy, the administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body. Full medical glossary
An element present in haemoglobin in the red cells. Full medical glossary
A gland that surrounds the urethra near the bladder. It produces a fluid that forms part of the semen. Full medical glossary