Know your breast cancer risk? Here’s what to check

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States and is expected to account for nearly one-third of all new cancer diagnoses among women in 2026.

“While advances in screening and treatment have helped reduce breast cancer deaths, diagnoses continue to rise, particularly among women younger than 50,” explains Dr. Kelly Sandberg, breast surgeon at Aurora Health Care. “Understanding your personal risk is an important step toward prevention, early detection and better outcomes.”

To help you better understand the factors that may increase your risk, Aurora Health Care created the C.H.E.C.K. list, a simple way to remember some of the most important contributors to breast cancer risk:

C – Choices

Lifestyle choices matter. Physical inactivity, excess body weight after menopause and poor nutrition can increase breast cancer risk. Making healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, may help lower your risk.

H – History

Family history plays a powerful role. Having a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age, may significantly increase your risk. A personal history of certain breast conditions can also raise risk and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

E – Estrogen

Longer lifetime exposure to estrogen is associated with increased breast cancer risk. This can include starting menstruation before age 12, entering menopause after age 55 or using certain hormone replacement therapies.

C – Consumption

Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, and risk increases with higher levels of consumption. Research continues to show that even moderate alcohol use can contribute to breast cancer risk, making awareness and informed choices important.

K – Know

Know your genes and your breast health. Inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can substantially increase breast cancer risk.

Breast density is also an important factor, as women with dense breasts may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and cancers may be harder to detect on mammograms. Genetic counseling, risk assessment and conversations with your healthcare provider can help determine whether additional screening is appropriate.

Current guidelines recommend that women at average risk begin regular mammography screening at age 40. Those with a strong family history, known genetic mutations or other elevated risk factors may benefit from earlier screening and should discuss a personalized plan with their healthcare provider.

“Many people diagnosed with breast cancer have no symptoms, making routine screening one of the most effective tools for early detection,” says Dr. Sandberg.

To learn more about your breast cancer risk, take our health risk assessment or talk with your healthcare provider.

Want to learn more about your risk for breast cancer? Take a free online quiz.