Modifiable and Nonmodifiable Risk Factors for Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Scoping Review

Background and Objectives: This scoping review focuses on gathering and examining the literature regarding modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases with the keywords "breast cancer", "risk", and "risk factor" and a combination of these words to find quality articles published from 2010 to January 2025. Results: In total, 169 articles published in English were included in the study. The findings of this study revealed that family history, genetics, blood group, race, previous history of breast cancer, sex hormones, and breast density are nonmodifiable risk factors for this cancer. Smoking, alcohol, coffee and tea consumption, a low level of physical activity, dietary regimens, hormone replacement therapy, contraceptive pills, reproductive factors, no breastfeeding, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, some medications, work status, and other diseases are modifiable risk factors that play a role in the occurrence of breast cancer. Discussion: Lifestyle modifications such as improving one's diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking/passive smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight after menopause, optimizing long-term nonhormonal fertility choices, avoiding medically unnecessary hormone increases, and performing genetic screening when necessary can help in the prevention of breast cancer.