With an incidental increase of 0.5% in the recent years, breast cancer remains to be one of the most commonly prevalent forms of cancer globally, and unfortunately, the second leading cause of death amongst women (and also a disease which afflicts women more than men). In India, every 1 in 28 women are said to suffer from breast cancer, and it is becoming increasingly prevalent amongst younger ages.

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While breast cancer is a condition which can be managed and detected well with an early diagnosis, what’s also causing an unfortunate rise, apart from genetic risk, is the changing environment and the increasingly changing lifestyle. Late pregnancies, obesity, pollution, incorrect diet and hormonal changes are some of the reasons behind the rise in cases. Like other forms of cancers, while breast cancer can strike any time, there are also some risk factors and lifestyle changes which may put one at a seemingly higher risk, and hence, must be prevented from the root for healthier living. So this Breast Cancer Awareness month, here are some factors and causes which put you at risk, and the ones you should work to prevent and avoid at all costs: