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The Voice of People With Breast Cancer
Information
Breast Cancer Basics
Understanding Risk Factors
High Risk Conditions
While anyone can get breast cancer, some people have a higher chance of developing it based on their health history, family background, or biopsy results. Being at “high risk” doesn’t mean you will get breast cancer—it just means your risk is higher than average compared to most people.
Your healthcare provider may look at things like your medical history, family history, or results from a breast biopsy to understand your level of risk. If you are considered high risk, you may need breast screening at an earlier age or more often than usual. In some cases, genetic testing or preventive treatment may be recommended.
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have a close family member who has had breast cancer. Learn about hereditary breast cancer
- Have biopsy results showing atypical hyperplasia. Learn about atypical hyperplasia
- Have biopsy results showing lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Learn about LCIS
Medical Review by Roochi Arora, MD, FRCPC, August 2025.
- References
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Canadian Breast Cancer Network. (2022). Breast cancer and you: A guide for people living with breast cancer [PDF]. https://cbcn.ca/web/default/files/public/
Reports/Breast%20Cancer%20and%20You_
ENG_edit_web.pdfCanadian Cancer Society. (n.d.). Risks for breast cancer. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast/risks
Løyland, B., Sandbekken, I. H., Grov, E. K., & Utne, I. (2024). Causes and risk factors of breast cancer, what do we know for sure? An evidence synthesis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Cancers, 16(8), 1583. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081583
Obeagu, E. I., & Obeagu, G. U. (2024). Breast cancer: A review of risk factors and diagnosis. Medicine, 103(3), e36905. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000036905
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Breast cancer and your risk. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/breast-cancer-your-risk.html
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About CBCN
CBCN strives to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing.
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
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