Risk Factors for Breast Cancer: What’s in Your Control?

If you’ve recently had a positive breast cancer screening mammogram or are concerned about symptoms like a lump, breast pain, or nipple discharge—it’s normal to feel worried or uncertain. The path ahead may seem unclear, but there’s one thing you can be sure of: you are not alone, and there are steps you can take to better understand and manage your health.

Understanding risk factors for breast cancer is an important step in feeling more empowered and in control during this time. While some factors are predetermined, like your age or family history, there are others that you can influence. Here's what you need to know about breast cancer risk factors and the practical steps you can take today.

What Are Risk Factors?

Risk factors are things that can increase your chances of developing a certain condition, in this case, breast cancer. While you can’t change some risk factors, there are many lifestyle choices that are in your control that can help protect your health. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of risk factors for breast cancer.

Life style Risk Factors You Can Change

Your daily choices directly impact your health. Research has shown that certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk of breast cancer, but the good news is that many of these are within your control.

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise lowers breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends aiming for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. This doesn't mean intense workouts—walking, swimming, or biking all count.
• Diet and Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk—according to the ACS — especially after menopause. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut back on processed foods and limit alcohol.
• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The ACS says it’s not necessary to stop drinking entirely, but limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day can help lower your risk.

Genetic and Family History Factors

Certain factors, like your genes and family history, can also influence your risk of breast cancer. While you can’t change your genetic makeup or family history, understanding these risks is important in helping you make decisions about your health.

• Family History: If your parent, sibling, or child has had breast cancer, your risk may be higher. Talk to your health care provider about your family history and whether genetic testing makes sense for you.
• Inherited Gene Mutations: National Cancer Institute (NCI) indicates that women who inherit gene mutations — like BRCA1 and BRCA2—have an increased breast cancer risk. If cancer runs in your family, especially at young ages, genetic counseling can help you understand your personal risk.

📖 Read more about genetic testing.

Hormonal Factors

Your body’s hormone levels can play a big role in your breast cancer risk. These factors are often linked to when you start menstruating, when you go through menopause, and whether you’ve had children.

• Menstrual and Reproductive History: Women who have had their first period at a younger age or have gone through menopause later in life may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer due to longer exposure to estrogen according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Similarly, women who haven’t had children or had their first child after age 30 may have a higher risk.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Some women use hormone replacement therapy during or after menopause to manage symptoms like hot flashes. However, long-term use of combined estrogen and progesterone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer. If you’re considering or currently using HRT, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits, and discuss alternative options for managing menopause symptoms.        

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

While some breast cancer risk factors are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to lower your risk and take charge of your health. These steps focus on lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact on your overall well-being and potentially lower your breast cancer risk.

1. Exercise regularly: 30 minutes of moderate activity most days maintains a healthy weight and improves overall health.
2. Eat a balanced diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit processed foods and cut back on alcohol.
3. Limit alcohol: Try to stick to one drink or less per day.
   
4. Get expert advice about  your family history: If breast cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor about genetic counseling or testing.   
5. Review your hormone  therapy options: If you’re using HRT, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and potential alternatives.        
6. Know your body and monitor changes: Regularly check your breasts for any changes or lumps. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor immediately.

Taking Control

Breast cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors, but there’s no need to feel helpless. While some risk factors are out of your control, like your family history or age, there are many lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk. By staying active, eating well, limiting alcohol, and taking charge of your hormonal health, you’re making powerful strides toward taking care of yourself.

Remember, knowledge is empowering. The more you learn about your risks, the more confident you’ll feel in making decisions about your health. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Defiant Health team for guidance and support. You don’t have to go through this alone.