• born in North America or Northern Europe
• strong family history (mother/sister)
• genetic mutations         e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2
  
• history of benign breast disease
• high levels of radiation exposure to the chest
• early menstruation (before 12 yrs old)
• alcohol misuse
• unhealthy weight/poor diet
• tobacco use/exposure to second hand smoke
• physical inactivity
• use of oral contraceptives
• never breastfeeding your baby
• inform your health care provider of known risk factors