Breast cancer

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We know that this is an especially worrying time for people with cancer and their family and friends. We have separate information about coronavirus and cancer. Please read that information alongside this page. We will update that information as guidance changes.

Read about coronavirus and cancer

Risks and causes

Find out about what can increase or reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include getting older and inherited faulty genes. Read about these and other risk factors.

Protective factors

Some factors can help to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Family history of breast cancer and inherited genes

Some people have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than the general population because other members of their family have had particular cancers. Find out more.

Last reviewed: 
07 Feb 2020

Information and help

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