• A personal history of breast cancer in one breast increases the risk of breast cancer in the other breast.
• A family history of breast cancer in father, mother, sisters or grandmothers particularly if the cancer occurred when the person was in their early 40's or younger.
• A family history of ovarian cancer. There is a breast-ovarian genetic connection.
• Changes in certain genes such as the BRACA1 and BRACA2 genes and others increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Menstral period before the age of 12 years old.
• Menopause after the age of 55.
• Bearing your first child after the age of 30.
• Never bearing a child.
• Taking horomone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen AND progestin after menopause.
• Being overweight or obese after menopause.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Drinking alcohol - The more you drink, the greater the risk.
• Smoking increases the risk of several cancers and is not recommended for anyone.

* Source: American Cancer Society