The 2 surprising factors that ‘increase your breast cancer risk’ as Kara Tointon reveals brave mastectomy

BREAST cancer, it's a disease we've all heard of - most of us will know someone affected - but do you know your risk of developing it?

Yesterday, former EastEnders star Kara Tointon revealed she's taken the decision to have a double mastectomy after discovering she carries a gene that increases her risk. But did you know, there are everyday factors that can influence your chances of the disease - including your height?

The 41-year-old posted an Instagram video to raise awareness of the preventative measure, after discovering she was at risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

She said: "You may have heard of the BRCA genes 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer."

The soap star was asked to take a genetics test when her mum Carol was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer back in 2018.

Sadly, her mum died in 2019.

After having her second son in 2021 and deciding her family was complete, she underwent two preventative surgeries - the first a double mastectomy and the second a two-part procedure involving the removal of the fallopian tubes and later the ovaries.

BRCA stands for BReast CAncer. It refers to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are tumor suppressor genes that play a role in DNA repair and preventing uncontrolled cell growth.

When these genes have alterations (mutations), it can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers.

According to Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, women who carry abnormal BRAC 1 and BRAC2 genes have an 85 per cent increased lifetime risk of breast cancer.

She added: "Breast cancer is more likely to occur at an earlier age and to affect both breasts.

"The risk of ovarian cancer is also increased."

Individuals are at a higher risk of carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations if they have a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, particularly if multiple close relatives have been diagnosed.

If you think you could be at risk, Dr Lee advises seeing your GP.

She said: "After a consultation, you may be referred for predictive genetic testing.

"There are pros and cons of having the predictive test and not everyone will want to have it.

"Before you have the test, you will be offered genetic counselling. The test is a blood test."

BRCA genes aren't the only risk factor for breast cancer.

Dr Kerri Palmer-Quinn, senior scientific research officer at Breast Cancer UK, says the biggest risk factor is ageing - something we unfortunately cannot control.

Like many cancers, family history of the disease and various lifestyle and environmental factors can also influence your risk

But other risk factors for breast cancer may surprise you.

Studies suggest there's a slight link between height and breast cancer risk, with taller women potentially having a slightly higher chance of developing the disease.

Dr Palmer-Quinn said: "Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer.

"The reasons behind this association are still being investigated, however it may be linked to the growth spurts taller woman have during early development.

"These growth spurts mean that taller women may have higher levels of certain growth factors as well as the growth hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).

"IGF-1 can promote cell growth and prevent programmed cell death which can increase the risk of cancer, including breast cancer."

Having high breast density (also known as mammographic density) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer.

Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "having dense breasts means you have higher proportions of fibrous and glandular tissue which is where breast cancers are more likely to arise, in comparison to fat tissue.

"Breast density can only be determined by a mammogram scan and isn't related to how your breasts look or feel.

"Having dense breasts can make these mammogram scans more difficult to interpret meaning potential cancers are harder to identify.

"Breast density can be influenced by your genetics and potentially the environment; it also may change overtime and tends to reduce with age."

While some breast cancer risk factors are unavoidable, including age, others are modifiable and can be addressed to potentially lower your risk.

Weight gain throughout adulthood increases the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer; particularly if the weight gain occurs after menopause has taken places, advised Dr Palmer-Quinn.

She added: "After menopause, the body's production of the sex hormone oestrogen shifts from the ovaries to fat tissue. Therefore, increased body fat can lead to higher levels of circulating oestrogen, which is a known risk factor for breast cancer.

"In addition, excess body fat can contribute to chronic inflammation and disrupt hormone regulation in ways that may further increase breast cancer risk."

What you can do: To maintain a healthy weight, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits. Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit sugary drinks and processed foods. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

Any level of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing breast cancer - there is no safe threshold.

Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "Alcohol raises levels of circulating oestrogen.

"It is also broken down into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer.

"Additionally, alcohol can contribute to weight gain, which may further increase risk, particularly after menopause."

What you can do: When it comes to giving up alcohol it can help to tell your family and friends that you’re aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why. This way, you can share your successes with them, and they’ll understand why you’ve started turning down drinks or trips to the pub. Try to identify the times when you would usually drink and fill the gap with something else. And remember to enjoy the benefits, including weight loss, better sleep, and more energy.

Studies have shown a small but statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer in women who smoke compared to those who have never smoked.

Dr Lee said: "Current smoking increases the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent compared to those who have never smoked."

What you can do: The most effective way to quit smoking is to combine nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other medications with professional support from a local stop smoking service.

A lack of physical activity is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer.

Dr Lee explained: "Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by around 20 per cent.

"Exercise lowers hormone levels and reduces inflammation as well as helping control body weight."

What you can do: To begin exercising, start with low-impact activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, and gradually increase intensity and duration. Set realistic goals, choose activities you enjoy, and schedule exercise into your routine. Consider finding an exercise buddy, using a journal or app to track progress, and varying your workouts to stay motivated.

As well as doing what you can to reduce your risk of breast cancer, make sure you're well aware of the symptoms to look out for - see a GP if you experience any of the below...