## 4 Discussion  
This study provides significant insights into the risk factors associated with breast cancer, particularly within a population of women with a family history of the disease. By focusing on women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women, this study specifically targeted a group where hormonal dynamics play a critical role in breast cancer development. Participants were categorized into two distinct groups: Group A, made up of individuals who had not been diagnosed with cancer, and Group B, comprising those who had a prior history of cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to compare these two groups: we examined various aspects of lifestyle, such as the BMI and smoking, hormonal influences and the mutational status of the BRCA genes. These risk factors were used as features to develop an ML model capable of predicting individuals at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The most influential predictors included the genetic mutation status (e.g., BRCA), menopausal status, BMI, age, years of smoking, and breastfeeding history. The identification of these factors as the top predictors aligns with existing research, highlighting the significant impact of both genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors on the breast cancer risk. The Group B participants were generally older than those in the general population group, highlighting a significant age-related susceptibility to breast cancer, which is consistent with existing research [46]. In the context of the investigated lifestyle factors, Group A and Group B showed a difference in the BMI. The relationship between the BMI and the breast cancer risk has been extensively studied [47; 48; 49; 50; 51]. Notably, obesity has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, a relationship that underscores the significance of body weight management in cancer prevention strategies. This association is thought to be mediated through various mechanisms, including hormonal changes, inflammation, and insulin resistance, which are known to influence cancer pathogenesis. Moreover, the adipose tissue in obese individuals is not merely a passive storage of fat but an active endocrine organ that secretes estrogen, adipokines, and inflammatory markers, all of which have been implicated in cancer development and progression [47]. The stark contrast in the BMI between the two groups highlights the importance of incorporating regular physical activity and a correct diet into daily routines as a potentially effective strategy for lowering the breast cancer risk. Furthermore, it underscores the need for targeted public health strategies aimed at increasing well-being levels, especially among populations at a higher risk of breast cancer. Figure 4: Precision–recall (PR) curve on the left and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve on the right, representing the performance of the ensemble of decision trees classifier in predicting the breast tumor risk. The observed differences in smoking habits between the two groups highlight intriguing behavioral patterns that merit a deeper analysis within the context of breast cancer risk and survivorship. Specifically, the group with a history of breast cancer showed a greater incidence of long-term smoking compared to the healthy group. Smoking has been identified as a significant risk factor for breast cancer development, particularly for women who begin smoking in adolescence, around the time of menopause, or before having their first child, or those with a familial predisposition to the disease [52]. Smoking has also been linked to an increased likelihood of breast cancer recurrence [53]. It can negatively affect the outcomes of surgical procedures and heighten the chances of complications during breast reconstruction surgeries [54]. Offering smoking cessation support to breast cancer patients is crucial. This intervention can lower the risks tied to radiotherapy and potentially decrease mortality rates, emphasizing the importance of targeted support programs for these individuals [55].