Researchers are currently evaluating the risk of breast cancer associated with different hormone combinations. Still, HRT has certain benefits that may offset the risk of breast cancer, and each woman should discuss the pros and cons of this therapy with her doctor before deciding if it is right for her. Most doctors recommend alternatives for women who have a family history of breast cancer or have had breast cancer themselves. Tall women are more likely than short women to develop breast cancer. Weight also plays a role, possibly because body fat alters a woman's estrogen metabolism.
Obese women are more likely than thin women to develop breast cancer after menopause.
The more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her risk. However, moderate alcohol intake may protect against other diseases and women should discuss the possible benefits of alcohol consumption with their doctors before deciding to forego alcohol completely. Several other factors are linked to breast cancer risk for reasons that are unknown. Women of high socioeconomic status are more likely than women of low socioeconomic status to develop breast cancer, and women who live in urban settings are more likely than women who live in rural settings to develop breast cancer. Black women are more likely than Asian women to develop breast cancer before the age of 40 years, whereas Caucasian women are more likely than Asian women to develop breast cancer at the age of 40 years and older.