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Anyone can get breast cancer and it's not always clear what causes it.
You might be more likely to get it if you:
You may also be more likely to get breast cancer if you have higher levels of the hormones oestrogen, progesterone or testosterone. This may be more likely if you:
Many breast cancers are also linked to lifestyle, such as smoking.
If you're a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary, how likely you are to get breast cancer depends on if you've had surgery, and if you're taking hormones.
If you were assigned female at birth and you've had top surgery (surgery to remove the breasts and have male chest reconstruction), you may be less likely to get breast cancer.
Removing the breasts may lower your chance of getting breast cancer compared to a cis-gendered woman, though it may still be higher than a cis-gendered man.
If you've not had top surgery to remove the breasts and are between 50 and 71, you should be able to have breast screening (mammogram).
Breast Cancer UK has more information about being transgender and breast cancer risk
If you were assigned male at birth, you may be more likely to get breast cancer if you've been taking feminising hormones for longer than 2 years.
These hormones may increase your chance of getting breast cancer compared to a cis-gendered man, though it may still be lower than that of a cis-gendered woman.
If you've been taking feminising hormones for longer than 2 years and are between 50 and 71, you should be able to have breast screening (mammogram).
Breast Cancer UK has more information about being transgender and breast cancer risk
You cannot always prevent breast cancer, but going for breast screening (mammogram) when you are invited can help find cancers that are too small to see or feel.
There are also things you can do to lower your chance of getting breast cancer.
try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
try to lose weight if you are overweight
try to quit smoking
talk to your GP if you are worried about the affect the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy may have on your risk of breast cancer
If any of your close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, you may be eligible for an NHS genetic test.
A genetic test will check to see if you have a faulty gene which increases your risk of getting cancer, such as a faulty BRCA gene.
Speak to a GP about genetic testing if breast or ovarian cancer run in your family.
The GP may ask about:
The GP will refer you to a specialist breast clinic or genetics clinic for assessment if they think you are at increased risk.
You can also have NHS genetic testing for faulty BRCA genes if you're 18 years or older and have 1 or more Jewish grandparent.
If you have a higher risk of getting breast cancer because you have a faulty gene, there are some treatments that can help reduce your risk.
A doctor or genetic counsellor will discuss your options with you and explain the benefits and possible side effects.
Treatments to reduce your risk include:
