Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Being Born Female

Being born female is the main risk factor for breast cancer.

The following is a 3D interactive model showing breast anatomy. The labels highlight different parts of the breast.

Men don’t have the same complex breast growth and development as women.

Although men can get breast cancer, it’s about 100 times more common in women [41].

For example, in 2021 (most recent data available), the incidence rates (new cases per year) were [41]:

	Women	Men
Incidence rate	134.3 per 100,000	1.3 per 100,000

Learn more about breast cancer in men.

View an image of male breast anatomy.

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Breast cancer in transgender people

There’s still much to learn about the risk of breast cancer in transgender people. However, the American College of Radiology (ACR) has breast cancer screening guidelines tailored by age, breast surgery, gender-affirming hormone treatment and other factors.

Learn about breast cancer in transgender people, including information on breast cancer risk and screening guidelines.

1. Know your risk

Talk with both sides of your family to learn about your family health history.
Talk with a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer.

2. Get screened

Talk with a health care provider about which screening tests are right for you if you’re at higher risk.
Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you’re at average risk.*
Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 25, and every year starting at age 40.*

* Per National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines

3. Know what is normal for you

See a health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:

Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

To see illustrations of these warning signs, please visit the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer page.

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

Maintain a healthy weight.
Make exercise part of your routine.
Limit alcohol intake.
Limit menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use).
Breastfeed if you can.

Updated 12/17/24

This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.

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