Currently, the precise causes of breast cancer are not known. Breast cancer is believed to be a result of interactions among inherited and environmental factors.

Breast cancer researchers have not determined the exact causes of the disease, but the likelihood of developing breast cancer has been linked to a number of risk factors. A risk factor for breast cancer is anything that is seen more often in those who develop breast cancer than in those who do not. Although risk factors are associated with higher risk for breast cancer, they may not have been shown to directly cause the disease.

It is important to know that having a risk factor does not mean you will necessarily develop breast cancer. You may have more than one risk factor and never develop the disease.

However, some women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors other than being a woman.

Another point to remember is that not all risk factors bear the same amount of risk. Some are linked to a large increase in the risk for breast cancer, while others are linked to a small increase.

Risk factors are identified from many research studies and from large numbers of study participants. However, they cannot be regarded as rules or guarantees. What we know about breast cancer right now cannot accurately predict what will happen to you or any other individual.

Click here for information on specific breast cancer risk factors.