Who Is Most At Risk Of Breast Cancer?

Like all disease, breast cancer does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, identity or even social status. Still, according to experts, some are at more risk than others.

“The people most at risk for breast cancer are people that have genetic mutations that increase their risk for breast cancer,” Chicago-based OB/GYN, Dr. Idries Abdur-Rahman, tells BlackDoctor.org. “The most common genetic mutations are BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 which are associated with a 60 percent and 45 percent lifetime risk respectively.”

Everyone has BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes, according to the site BreastCancer.org. However, studies suggest that Black women have a higher rate of abnormal BRCA genes.

“Having said that, only 10 percent of breast cancers are genetic meaning that 90 percent of breast cancers are sporadic (no prior family history),” added Dr. Idries. “So, while a genetic mutation/family history puts you at higher risk for breast cancer, the majority of breast cancers are neither genetic nor familial and with 12 percent of women being diagnosed with breast cancer, all women are at risk.”