Risks and causes of breast cancer
Some people have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than the general population because other members of their family have had particular cancers. This is called a family history of cancer.
Having a mother, sister or daughter (first degree relative) diagnosed with breast cancer approximately doubles the risk of breast cancer. This risk is higher when more close relatives have breast cancer, or if a relative developed breast cancer under the age of 50. But most women who have a close relative with breast cancer will never develop it.
UK guidelines help GPs to identify people who might have an increased risk of cancer due to their family history.
Cancer screening is a test that looks for early signs of cancer in healthy people. Staff at the breast or genetics clinic can work out your risk of developing breast cancer. They can then tell you whether you might need extra screening.
Last reviewed: 07 Jun 2023
Next review due: 07 Jun 2026
Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include getting older and inherited faulty genes. Read about these and other risk factors.
Find out about the UK breast screening programme, who has screening, and how you have it.
3-10% of cancers are caused by inherited genes in the UK. Genes can affect cancer risk, and some can be tested for.
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissue. Find out about who gets breast cancer and where it starts.
Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in the breast. Find out more about this and other possible symptoms and when you should see your GP.
Find out about breast cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, survival, and how to cope with the effects on your life and relationships.
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