According to official figures it has been determined that only 5-10% of breast cancer is influenced by an individual's genetics. Even though this percentage seems relatively low the numbers are in fact high enough to encourage many women and men to seek regular checkups. Yes, it is possible for even men to get breast cancer. Men only contract breast cancer about .7% as often as women but it does occur and it kills about 12,000 men per year.

Being female alone increases one's odds of contracting breast cancer relative to men by 133:1. A leading theory indicates that the most likely cause of this is due to the higher percentage of estrogen and progesterone in females. These hormones play a role in cell growth and reproduction, and seem to have an effect with the growth occurs uncontrollably- for instance, breast cancer.

One genetic factor that may not seem genetic at first blush is the increased risk that comes with aging. Growing older, at what rate and in what way, is heavily influenced by genetics. Genetics determines the kind of physiology we have and that in turn plays a prominent role in aging, as researchers in the field are finding out.

About 17% of invasive breast cancers occur in women in their 40s. But, a whopping 78% of those who contract the disease are in their 50s or older. That shouldn't be surprising by now. It's commonplace to observe that cancers are more likely the older one gets. Take care not to turn the statement around, though. It's not correct to say that 78% of women 50 or older get breast cancer. In fact, the number is about 1 in 12 or only 8%.

A major genetic risk factor doesn't come from normal genes; rather it comes from gene mutations. The most common of these gene mutations are labeled BRCA1 and BRCA1. These genes participate in making proteins that prevent cells from experiencing abnormal growth. Mutations or changes in these genes alter that ability thus opening the gate to increase the odds of contracting breast cancer. Some studies have determined that having the mutation places an individual at risk for developing breast cancer at up to 80%.

Those mutations are almost always inherited, not produced by environmental, diet or other controllable factors. Women who have a mother who have had breast cancer are therefore at higher risk for developing the condition themselves. Though, obviously, women don't inherit genes from a sister, having a sibling that has contracted breast cancer is an indicator of increased risk.

Another gene mutation that may play a role is the ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutation), involving a gene which plays a role in repairing DNA strands. Breast cancer risk is doubled when yet another, the CHEK-2 gene, mutates. Mutations in a gene called the p53 increase the odds, since it works to suppress tumor growth. Fortunately, these are all fairly low likelihood occurrences.

Until there are advancements in gene therapy, there isn't anything women or men can do to alter the genes which they were given. But knowing the risk factors can provide information needed to come up with a diagnosis. Knowing that you have a family history containing an individual with Cowden Syndrome, for example, provides you with more reason to seek frequent and early checkups.