A woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. And the chance of dying from the disease is about 1 in 33. Scary numbers, for sure, yet women need to keep them in perspective. “It’s a lifetime risk, so that’s the risk from the time a woman is born, until the day she dies,” says Debbie Haslo, director of breast and gynaecological cancer at the American Cancer Society. “Women should keep in mind that breast cancer is very rare before the age of 40. Three quarters of breast cancer cases happen after age 50 so the risk increases with age. However the lifestyle behaviours that women have in their 20, 30s and 40s impact their risk of getting breast cancer later in life.”

Here’s what you need to know about assessing your chances of developing breast cancer. Plus learn about steps you can take today to reduce your risk—and your daughter’s too.

Understand Your Risk

A number of different genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer.

The hormone connection “A lot of the risk factors for breast cancer are related to circulating hormones,” says Dr. Kala Visvanathan, a medical oncologist and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Centre in Baltimore, MD. “If you had your period at a young age or you start menopause at a late age, you’re at higher risk because you’re exposed to hormones for a longer period.” For that reason, breastfeeding and having children are protective against breast cancer.

In the genes? There are variations in breast cancer risk among races. Asian women tend to be slightly less at risk, Caucasian and African American women, slightly more. A family history of breast cancer also increases your risk of getting the disease. “You have a strong family history if you have multiple generations of relatives who developed breast cancer at an early age,” says Dr. Visvanathan. “Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes tend to be associated with early onset cancer.” These gene mutations occur in about five percent of cancers.

Your weight Tipping the scales may increase your risk for breast cancer. “Gaining weight means there is a lot more fat that estrogen can sit around in so there’s more estrogen circulating in the body,” says Haslo. “Weight gain isn’t a strong risk factor for pre-menopausal women but it can be for post-menopausal women.”

What to Teach Your Daughter

Talk to your daughter about developing these healthy habits during adolescence and adulthood to help reduce her breast cancer risk.

Make time for fitness “Physical activity is important for reducing breast cancer risk,” says Haslo. “Mothers should make sure their daughters are either in school sports or living an active life because being active during the teenage years is critical.” Physical activity also helps women control their weight and avoid weight gain.

Get physical Teens should start getting an annual physical exam around age 18 (or earlier if you have a strong family history of breast cancer) and get a clinical breast exam at their annual check-up.“Women need to be aware of what their breasts are normally like,” says Haslo, either by doing breast self-examinations or becoming familiar with their breasts while showering or standing in front of a mirror so they’ll be able to notice any changes. “It’s important to report any changes to your doctor.”

Avoid known carcinogens Your family shouldn’t fire up the grill too often; frequently eating flame-broiled food increases a woman’s risk of cancer.Smoking may also increase breast cancer risk.

Keep track of your family history When you see your doctor at your annual check-up mention if there are any new cancer diagnoses—breast cancer in female or male relatives or ovarian cancer—in your family.

Make Healthy Choices

Making these smart lifestyle choices (and being a healthy role model for your daughter) may reduce breast cancer risk.

Limit alcohol intake Women who drink on average one or less alcoholic drinks a day are at lower breast cancer risk than women who drink two or more daily, says Haslo.

Go for mammograms after 40 While getting an annual mammogram won’t reduce your risk of getting breast cancer, it will cut your risk of being diagnosed with a late or aggressive breast cancer that’s not as treatable. “As long as women are getting mammograms, they have a really great chance if they do get breast cancer of catching it early and it being completely survivable,” says Haslo.

Get guidance If you’re at increased risk for breast cancer—several blood relatives have had the disease or you’ve had abnormal biopsies in the past—talk to your doctor to quantify your risk or attend a clinic for women at high-risk for breast cancer to get specific recommendations on risk reduction, advises Dr. Visvanathan.

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