Nobody knows the cause of breast cancer. However, certain factors make it more likely. You're more likely to get breast cancer if you are over 50 and have had either benign or malignant breast cancer before; started your periods early or your menopause late; have been exposed to radiation; had a first pregnancy after 30, or don't have children; eat a lot of high-fat foods or drink more than the recommended limit of 14 units a week of alcohol; are overweight and have been through the menopause; have a close family member who has had breast cancer or you take the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Attribution: BUPA