In thinking of breast cancer risk, there are some factors that we can’t change as well as several that we can. Later this week, we’ll look more at the sort of fixed risk factors that some of us face. Today, let’s talk about things we can control and change to reduce our overall breast cancer risk – our modifiable risk factors.

While some of these on the above CDC graphic seem intuitive and they are good general health advice, they are pretty significant for breast cancer risk reduction.

Healthy Weight

breastcancer.org reports that being overweight or obese increases the risk of a first time diagnosis of breast cancer as well as a recurrence of the disease. However, it has also been demonstrated that risk lowers measurably with weight loss – so this is a factor that can be improved upon.

breastcancer.org weight and breast cancer risk.

Activity

In reading a study called “physical activity and breast cancer prevention,” the abstract states, “Across these studies there was a 25% average risk reduction amongst physically active women as compared to the least active women.”  This has held true consistently and is generally a factor that most people can control. While more movement is, of course, going to be more helpful, any increase is a net positive.

PubMed Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention

Alcohol

This is particularly noteworthy because the prescribed “safe drinking limit” for women of one drink per day doesn’t seem to hold true here. The evidence suggests that alcohol increases breast cancer risk and the risk becomes more significant with the amount a woman consumes. The World Health Organization cautions strongly that “there is no safe level of alcohol consumption,” stating further, “Simply put, alcohol is toxic. It harms every organ while it passes through the body.” I feel that is article from the WHO about alcohol and breast cancer warrants further consideration so I am leaving it here for everyone to review.

WHO Breast Cancer and Alcohol Consumption.

Good General Health Hygiene 

It doesn’t really require any explanation that good overall self care is important to prevent breast cancer as well as many other illnesses. Eating well, not smoking, sleeping well, and reducing stress are important to a healthy lifestyle.

Breastfeeding

According to a recently published study in Cancer Medicine, “The risk of breast cancer is reduced by 4.3% for every 12 months of breastfeeding, this is in addition to the 7.0% decrease in risk observed for each birth.” These statistics are echoed across numerous other studies and bear consideration as are there are clear benefits to breastfeeding for mother and child.

NIH Cancer Medicine Breastfeeding and Cancer Risk Article.

Hopefully these have been helpful. Let’s all be healthy. ❤

Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Grace and Blessings.