Being female
Women are overwhelmingly more likely to get breast cancer than men. 99% of breast cancer patients are women.
There are a number of risk factors specific to women, including:
- First menstrual period before age 12
- Menopause later than 55
- First childbirth after 35
- Never having children
- Being tall (5 feet 8 inches or taller)
- Having dense breasts
- Having a non-cancerous breast disease
However, it’s still possible for men to develop breast cancer, especially if they come from families with a strong family history of breast and other cancers. Men should always report any changes in breast tissue to their doctors.