Diseases, The Immune System
Lowering Breast Cancer Risk
Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Recent Developments
According to a September 22, 2025 CDC post, breast cancer risk factors are divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories:
According to a September 22, 2025 CDC post, breast cancer risk factors are divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories:
- Modifiable: Increasing physical activity, reducing alcohol consumption, limiting hormone intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Non-modifiable: Genetic mutations, dense breast tissue, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and advancing age.
On September 25, the FDA approved Imlunestrant (from Eli Lilly) as a new therapy for advanced breast cancer, expected to launch in the US soon at $22,500 for a 28-day, 400 mg dose.
A 2024 survey found that women delaying mammograms often cite low personal risk (e.g., no family history) and concerns over screening harms like overdiagnosis.
While mammography enables life-saving early detection, it carries risks including false positives (affecting 239 of 1,000 women aged 40-49), unnecessary biopsies, and overdiagnosis.
Per the Harvard Medical School, lifestyle and wellness changes can enhance health.
Cancer prevention includes the following nutrition and lifestyle modifications:
1. Nutrition: A plant-based diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Think Mediterranean diet with fish, fruits, legumes, vegetables, etc
2. Movement: Moderate daily exercise: 7,000-10,000 steps a day. Resistance training twice a week.
3. Sleep: Minimum 7 hours of restful sleep.
4. Stress management – lower stress, take breaks, learn how to meditate, and be mindful. Use love, gratitude, and positive thinking.
5. Social Connections: Positive and meaningful social relationships
6. Spirituality
7. Avoidance of risky substances (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drugs, etc)
2. Movement: Moderate daily exercise: 7,000-10,000 steps a day. Resistance training twice a week.
3. Sleep: Minimum 7 hours of restful sleep.
4. Stress management – lower stress, take breaks, learn how to meditate, and be mindful. Use love, gratitude, and positive thinking.
5. Social Connections: Positive and meaningful social relationships
6. Spirituality
7. Avoidance of risky substances (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drugs, etc)
Lowering breast cancer risk is within our power.