There are a number of risk factors currently known to contribute to breast cancer. Risk increases as women grow older.
Risk is highest if two or more first-degree relatives are diagnosed at an early age.
Risk still is high, but somewhat less, if only one first-degree relative has been diagnosed. Personal history of breast cancer. High dose ionizing radiation to the chest Race. White women are at higher risk than African Americans, Asian and Hispanic women. However, African American women have higher mortality rates.