Risk factors of getting breast cancer

The most common form of breast cancer begins in the ducts. Another type, which starts in the lobes or lobules, is more likely to occur in both breasts than other kinds. There's another form, called inflammatory breast cancer, as well.

The National Cancer Institute says the chance of getting breast cancer is greater if you have certain risk factors, including:

• Older age

• Early menstruation

• Older age at first birth or never gave birth

• History of breast cancer or benign breast disease

• Mother or sister with breast cancer

• Treatment with radiation therapy to breast/chest

• Dense breast tissue

• Use of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone

• Drinking alcoholic beverages

• Caucasian