• born in North America or Northern Europe
• strong family history (mother/sister)
• genetic mutations         i.e. 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
• tobacco use
• physical inactivity
• use of oral contraceptives
• never breastfeeding
• inform your health care provider of known risk factors