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What It Really Means to Be Average Risk, Moderate Risk, or High Risk for Breast Cancer
In this video, oncologist Brenda Panzera, MD, explains the different risk factors for breast cancer and when screenings should begin.
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on May 15, 2025As of now, there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer. Certain lifestyle habits can lower your breast cancer risk, but most of the time, there’s no clear reason why breast cancer develops.
Doctors classify women into different risk groups (average, moderate, and high) to help determine how often they should be screened for breast cancer. Screening includes mammograms or other imaging tests.
If you’re unsure, ask your doctor about the right age and frequency to start breast cancer screening.
Additional Medical Contributors
- Brenda Panzera, MDDr. Panzera is a clinical instructor in hematology and oncology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and attending physician at Mount Sinai and Lenox Hill Hospitals.
References
American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast cancer risk factors you cannot change.
Breastcancer.org. (2023). Breast cancer risk factors.
View All References (1)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
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