Cancer in which the cancer cells start to form in the breast is known as breast cancer. Depending on which cells of the beast are affected, there are various types of breast cancer. The breasts consist of three parts – the connective tissue, the ducts, and the lobules. Cancer can start in any part.

Here’s a look at the risk factors and preventive measures of breast cancer.

Risk factors of breast cancer
Learning about the risk factors and preventive measures of breast cancer can play an important role in fighting the condition. There have been studies that have shown a combination of various factors to increase the risk of the condition. Among the main factors, gender and age have been seen to have a significant role to play. In most cases of breast cancer, the patients are women who are 50 years or older.

The risk factors of breast cancer can be classified into two categories: the ones you can change and the ones you cannot. Risk factors of breast cancer that you cannot control:

• Age
  Age is one of the main risk factors associated with breast cancer. The older a person gets, the higher the chances of breast cancer get. Most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in people aged 50 or above.

• Gene mutations
  Mutations to some genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA 2, can be inherited. Females who inherit this mutation are at a greater risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

• Early periods and late menopause
  Women who get their periods before 12 and have their menopause after 55 are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer

Risk factors you can control

• Being inactive
  Women who are not physically active tend to be at greater risk of suffering from breast cancer.

• Unhealthy body weight
  Women who are obese or overweight are at higher risk of getting breast cancer.

• Alcohol consumption
  Studies show how drinking alcohol puts a woman at the risk of getting breast cancer.

Preventive measures for breast cancer
If you think you are at risk, there are several preventative measures that you can take to reduce the risk. These include the following:

• Limit alcohol intake
  Alcohol consumption heightens the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, as recommended, to reduce the risk, limit your alcohol intake to one drink a day. You must remember that increasing even a small amount of alcohol can put you at risk.

• Quit smoking
  There have been shreds of evidence that have suggested a link between the risk of developing breast cancer and smoking, especially in premenopausal women.

• Keep your weight under check
  Obesity and being overweight can increase the chances of breast cancer. Therefore, follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep your weight under check.