As a woman, knowing the risk factors for breast cancer can help you take steps to prevent it or detect it in its early stages. Here are 10 things you need to know about breast cancer risk factors:.

1. Being Female

Although men can get breast cancer, women are at much higher risk because they have more breast tissue than men. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in her life.

2. Age

The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older, with most cases being diagnosed in women over age 50.

3. Genetics

Some women inherit gene mutations from their parents that increase their risk of breast cancer. The most well-known of these genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Women with these mutations have a much higher risk of developing breast cancer and may need to take preventive measures such as surgery or more frequent screening.

4. Family History

Even if you don’t have a gene mutation, having a close relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) who has had breast cancer increases your risk.

The more relatives you have with breast cancer, and the younger they were when diagnosed, the higher your risk.

5. Early Menstruation/Late Menopause

Women who start their periods early (before age 12) or enter menopause late (after age 55) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer because they have been exposed to hormones for a longer period of time.

6. Estrogen/Progesterone Use

Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for many years (especially estrogen and progesterone together) after menopause can increase breast cancer risk.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of HRT if you’re considering it.

7. Dense Breast Tissue

Women with dense breast tissue (which shows up white on a mammogram) have a higher risk of breast cancer. This may be because dense tissue contains more cells that can become cancerous.

8. Obesity

Being overweight or obese after menopause can increase breast cancer risk. Fat cells produce estrogen, and having more fat cells means having more estrogen in the body.