Understanding Breast Cancer

The Facts on Breast Cancer

Risk Factors & Strategies to Reduce Your Risk

The following factors have been shown to increase your risk for Breast Cancer

Modifiable Factors: The following actions are controllable, and therefore, you should do your best to avoid as many of these actions as possible. If something is unavoidable, be conscientious about your other actions to help combat the risk!

Smoking & Drinking

Smoking and drinking increase stress, alter nutrient absorption, and reduce overall health when regularly consumed- especially at high amounts. (1)
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Birth Control

Using "the pill" has been shown to increase your risk due to its hormonal influence. Taking higher dosages and for long durations can increase the risk more. (2)
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Hair Dye Usage

Hair dye usage has been shown to increase your risk for breast cancer. A cumulative effect was also found to be significant. (3)
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Hormone Therapy

Combined hormone replacement therapy (estrogen + progesterone). The risk seems to dissipate after 5 years after treatment. (11)
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Non-Modifiable Factors: The following cannot be changed. However, these factors are important to know, so you can be cognizant of your lifestyle choices and understand the circumstances!

Gender

Those who are born biologically female are at an increased risk of breast cancer. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their life, while 1 in 833 men will be diagnosed (6)
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Older Age

Your risk will increase with age. (7)
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Denser Breast Tissue

Those with denser breast tissue have an increased risk. Also, those with benign breast disease or dense formations of tissue that are harmless, are at increased risk. (8)
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Family History

A family history increases your risk. Also, mutations to BRCA1/2 and PALB2 genes increase your risk and can be passed down to the next generation. (9)
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Later Meno-pause

The later you experience menopause, the more at risk you are for the disease. The average natural age for menopause is 51. (10)
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Early Menarche (First Period)

Those that experience earlier periods have a higher risk than those that experience it later in their life. The average age to experience your period is 12. (5)
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Denser Breast Tissue

Results are preliminary, but the following conditions showed increased risk: Hyperthyroidism, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension (12)
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Night & Rotating Shifts

A family history increases your risk. Also, mutations to BRCA1/2 and PALB2 genes increase your risk and can be passed down to the next generation. (13)
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Help reduce your risk for Breast Cancer with these choices

Maintain Healthy Weight

Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk of breast cancer after menopause. (14)
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Regular Exercise

Cardio: 3-5 days/week Strength Training: 2 days/week Stretching/Yoga: 2 days/week (15)
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Dietary Factors​

Daily Fruits & Veggies, Daily Whole Grains, Daily Low/Nonfat Dairy, Nuts 3-5x/Week, Daily Tea (especially green), Limit Red/Processed Meat (17)
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Proper Sleep

7-8 hours of sleep is best to limit breast cancer risk. Improved sleep quality can be aided by limiting late night screen time, having a good diet and exercising regularly.
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Pregnancy & Breast- feeding​

Having more children has been shown to reduce your risk and breastfeeding your kids further reduces your risk while boosting your child's immunity (18)
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Are You at Risk for Breast Cancer?

Assess Your Risk

Symptoms & Early Detection

Symptoms

Early Symptoms 

  • Increase in size or change in shape of the breast(s)
  • Changes in the appearance of the nipple(s)
  • Pain in the breast area
  • Redness, swelling, or and other visible skin changes

Invasive Breast Cancer Symptoms

  • Change in color of breast 
  • Irritated / itchy breasts 
  • Increase in breast size or shape 
  • Shifts in how the breast feels 
  • Flaking of nipple skin 
  • Breast lumps or thickening 

Early Detection

5-Year Survival Rate by Stage

Percent Diagnosed by Stage

Based on the survival rates by stage, it is very clear that it is extremely important to catch breast cancer early in order to give yourself the best chance for survival, but only a small portion of cases are caught at this stage. How do you ensure breast cancer is caught early if you develop it? Get screened

Who Should be Screened?

  • 40 Years Old: Your first mammogram is recommended at age 40. From this point, discuss with your doctor their recommendations, but ideally your first mammogram should be before your 45 to check for initial abnormalities
  • 45-55 Years Old: During these ages it is recommended that every woman get an annual mammogram to ensure proper structure.
  • 55+ Years Old: You can switch to a mammogram every 2 years, but always discuss a change in your screening protocols with your doctor before carrying out a new strategy.
Screenings are not recommended until age 40. However, if you have concerns with your personal status before that age, always reach out to your doctor to discuss your options.

What to Expect at Your Procedure

A Blog from a Mammogram Technologist | A Video Explaining the Process

Treatments for Breast Cancer

  • Mastectomy: Removal of the breast
  • Lumpectomy: Removal of tumor and tissues surrounding the tumor
  • Chemotherapy: Drugs designed to eliminate cancer cells
  • Radiation Therapy: Beams of high-energy to kill cancer cells
  • Targeted Therapy: Medicines such as Tykerb, Perjeta, and Herceptin to aid to immune system in eliminating cancer cells
  • Hormone Therapy: Drugs used to prevent hormones from increasing the growth of cancer cells

Nutrition and Cancer

Diet plays a major role in the development of cancer. The foods you eat can either promote cellular damage and increase your risk or protect your cells from damage and reduce your risk. An estimated 30% of cancers are believed to be related to poor dietary habits. (15)

We have compiled a list of foods that should be regularly included in your diet to promote optimal health, including cancer prevention. Learn what you can do to help reduce your risk.

Your Guide to Optimal Nutrition

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Additional Resources

American Cancer Association | National Breast Cancer Foundation | Mayo Clinic | Breastcancer.org