A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of
getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop lupus
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more
risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing
lupus. There is no way to reduce your risk. Lupus occurs
primarily in women of childbearing age. It affects nonwhite
women more frequently than white women. The major risk factors
are: Ninety percent of people with lupus are women. Lupus first
occurs most often in the late teens to early 30s. People who are
black, Native American, Asian, or Hispanic are at greater risk
than those who are white. - Reviewer: Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
- Update Date: 09/01/2011 -