10/21/2026
Genetics can play a key role in cancer risk. Some factors could suggest a higher risk of breast and/or gynecologic cancers, including:
- If you have family members with the same cancers.
- Several relatives may have these or other related cancers.
- Both men and women can inherit and pass on a gene that raises the risk for these cancers.
Other things, along with family history, can affect a person’s chances of getting cancer. These include:
- Your reproductive history, like when you had your first period or if you’ve had children.
- Using birth control or hormone medicines.
- Being exposed to radiation when you were young.
- Drinking alcohol or smoking.
- How active you are and how much you exercise.
The National Cancer Institute has created a risk calculator. Find out if you are at higher risk for breast cancer: https://bcrisktool.cancer.gov/calculator.html
If you or someone you know could benefit from cancer screening, including breast or cervical cancer, visit the Gallatin City-County Health Department’s website for more information: https://www.healthygallatin.org/community-health/cancer-screening/
