August 26, 2026
Is breast cancer genetic?
While certain women can inherit gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 that put them at a higher predisposition for breast cancer, only about 5–10% of breast cancer cases are actually hereditary (ACS). That means breast cancer can affect anyone, even those with no family history of the disease.
Approximately how many women will develop breast cancer?
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. This makes it especially important to understand your risk factors and stay on top of your breast health.
What are some risk factors for breast cancer?
Some of the primary risk factors include being born female and aging. However, many factors are considered when determining your breast cancer risk, including:
- Family history and genetic predisposition, such as abnormalities in BRCA1, BRCA2, or CHD1 genes
- Age and gender
- Menstruation, pregnancy, and hormone replacement therapy
- Weight, smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption
- Dense breast tissue
How can you be proactive?
It’s important to be aware of your risk factors, but you can take meaningful steps toward managing these risks. While some risk factors are beyond your control, others are influenced by your personal behaviors and choices.
Ways to remain proactive about your health include staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and becoming familiar with how your body looks and feels so you can more easily notice changes.
It’s also especially important to stay on top of preventive screenings, like an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40.
If you have a family history or notice symptoms that are not normal for you, speak with your doctor about your concerns. They may recommend starting screening sooner.
What changes in your breasts should be evaluated or discussed with a health care provider?
Speak to your health care provider immediately if you notice any changes to your breasts. For example:
- New lumps
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
- Changes in breast size, shape, skin texture, or color
- Skin redness, dimpling, or puckering
- Scaliness of the breast
- Nipple pulling to one side
- A change in the direction of the nipple
- New spontaneous bloody or clear nipple discharge from only one breast
With over 18 imaging and breast care locations, Memorial Hermann offers breast care services that are convenient for you. To learn more, visit memorialhermann.org/mammo .
