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Established risk factors
My Breakthrough
Pregnancy
Reproduction has a complex effect on breast cancer, but in general pregnancy is believed to have two effects on the risk of developing the disease.
Firstly, women who have their first child after the age of 30 have an increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who have children at younger ages. Having a first child before the age of 30, and particularly before the age of 20, slightly reduces breast cancer risk.
The risk of breast cancer also slightly decreases the more children a woman has, and women who have not had children are at higher risk of breast cancer than women who have had children.
Research studies suggest that, irrespective of her age, after a woman gives birth her risk of breast cancer slightly increases. This increase in risk is temporary, lasting a few years, and it is important to remember that breast cancer during childbearing years is rare.
For more information, see our fact sheet Pregnancy and Breast Cancer Risk: the Facts
The risk of breast cancer also slightly decreases the more children a woman has, and women who have not had children are at higher risk of breast cancer than women who have had children.
Research studies suggest that, irrespective of her age, after a woman gives birth her risk of breast cancer slightly increases. This increase in risk is temporary, lasting a few years, and it is important to remember that breast cancer during childbearing years is rare.
For more information, see our fact sheet Pregnancy and Breast Cancer Risk: the Facts
