Managing an increased risk of breast cancer

Breast cancer risk factors can increase or decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. They can be related to your lifestyle, life choices and the environment or inherited.

Generally, breast cancer risk factors for women with a family history of breast cancer are the same as for women without a family history, but there are a few differences. For example, women with a family history are more likely to get breast cancer before 50. This increased risk also continues over 50.

We cannot change some risk factors for breast cancer, such as our age and genes. However, we can change others, such as our weight, how much alcohol we drink, or whether or not we take the conceptive pill or HRT, and for how long.

Changing your lifestyle may change your overall breast cancer risk. The decision about whether to make any chances can be difficult – you will need to weigh up any helpful effects (pros) from unexpected or unwanted ones (cons). You should talk about any changes you decide to make with your doctor.

To learn more about managing an increased risk of breast cancer download our free publication The Best Treatment: Your guide to UK services for people with a family history of breast cancer (2384 kb) .

Some women at high risk of developing breast cancer decide to have risk-reducing surgery. This is not suitable for everyone and can be a difficult decision to make.

There are two types of surgery that can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer for women at high risk: mastectomy and oophorectomy:

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of breast tissue. For women with a strong family history of breast cancer, having a risk-reducing mastectomy reduces the risk of breast cancer by a large amount. Some women with a strong family history who are diagnosed with breast cancer also choose to have a risk-reducing mastectomy as part of their treatment.

Before having a risk-reducing mastectomy, a woman will discuss it with their clinical team. Things to discuss include surgery options, the benefits and risks, support available and breast reconstruction.

An oophorectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s ovaries. The Fallopian tubes should be removed at the same time. Having a risk-reducing oophorectomy reduces the risk of breast cancer significantly in women with a strong family history who have not been through the menopause. It will also reduce their risk of ovarian cancer.

Before having a risk-reducing oophorectomy, a woman will discuss it with their clinical team. Things to discuss include the benefits and risks, support available, effects on fertility and coping with early menopause.

To learn more about managing an increased risk of breast cancer, download our free publication The Best Treatment: Your guide to UK services for people with a family history of breast cancer (2397 kb)

Information last reviewed: 17 March 2011